Beta decay converts a neutron to a proton, an electron, and an electron neutrino.
In general, however, a nuclear fission reaction involves the fissioning (or splitting) of heavy atoms (heavy, as in greater than lead, due to the binding energy curve), which results in release of some of the binding energy that was used to sustain the un-fissioned combination. Also, depending on which nuclide is fissioned, extra neutrons result, and these neutrons can (under the right conditions) go on to fission more atoms, in a process called criticality, or, simply, a nuclear fission chain reaction.
Reactions that involve nuclei, called nuclear reactions, result in a tremendous amount of energy. Two types are fission and fusion.
A nuclear fission reaction generally does not result in an uncontrolled chain reaction because of the release of binding energy. This contributes heat and energy into the reaction, which tends to reduce the density of the fissile material, i.e. making it larger, and thus making it subcritical.The hard part in creating an uncontrolled fission reaction is in holding the fissile material in a supercritical geometry long enough to convert all of it. This requires enormous pressure and high technology.Also, the result of a fission reaction includes neutrons that are often too energetic to properly go on and create subsequent reactions. In a controlled reaction, a moderator is required to "slow down" the neutrons. In an uncontrolled reaction, the dynamics are such that only prompt neutrons are needed to support the chain reaction, a state we call super prompt criticality, but in order to sustain this, the enrichment of the fuel must be above a certain level, typically greater than 20 percent U-235. Modern weapons are in the high 80's and 90's percent.
Products of a nuclear fission reaction typically include smaller atomic nuclei (fission fragments), neutrons, and a release of energy. However, products that are not generated in a fission reaction include unchanged parent nuclei, as they undergo transformation, and stable isotopes that do not result from fission. Additionally, elements heavier than uranium, such as some transuranic elements, are not direct products of fission but may be formed from neutron capture processes.
When the n/p ratio becomes equal to one, nuclei will get stability.As a result reaction will stop.
In a nuclear reactor, lowering control rods will result in the absorption of more neutrons, which slows down the nuclear chain reaction. This leads to a decrease in the reactor's power output or can even shut down the reactor completely.
The primary result of a fission reaction is the conversion of mass to energy. In fission, the nucleus split, either through radioactive decay or as result of being bombarded by other subatomic particles known as neutrons.
Lowering control rods in a nuclear reactor will result in the absorption of neutrons, which decreases the rate of fission reactions happening in the reactor core. This leads to a decrease in heat production and ultimately reduces the power output of the reactor.
If a nuclear chain reaction is not controlled, it can lead to a runaway reaction with an increase in heat and radiation release beyond safe levels. This can result in a nuclear meltdown, leading to damage to the reactor core and potential release of harmful radioactive materials into the environment.
Lowering control rods in a nuclear reactor will result in the absorption of more neutrons, which decreases the rate of fission reactions and slows down the nuclear chain reaction. This helps to control and regulate the power output of the reactor.
Neutron absorption is the key to the operation of a nuclear reactor as this is what perpetuates the chain reaction. Neutrons can be absorbed by a number of things within the core of an operating reactor, but when a fuel atom absorbs a neutron, it becomes unstable and fissions. The fission event releases fission fragments, energy, and more neutrons, which will, when absorbed, continue the chain reaction.
fission and/or fusion
In general, however, a nuclear fission reaction involves the fissioning (or splitting) of heavy atoms (heavy, as in greater than lead, due to the binding energy curve), which results in release of some of the binding energy that was used to sustain the un-fissioned combination. Also, depending on which nuclide is fissioned, extra neutrons result, and these neutrons can (under the right conditions) go on to fission more atoms, in a process called criticality, or, simply, a nuclear fission chain reaction.
Reactions that involve nuclei, called nuclear reactions, result in a tremendous amount of energy. Two types are fission and fusion.
Decreasing the temperature or changing the concentration of the reactants would most likely result in the greatest decrease in the rate of a chemical reaction. These changes affect the collision frequency and energy of the reacting molecules, slowing down the overall reaction rate.
The products are very different.
A nuclear fission reaction is controlled in a nuclear reactor by using control rods made of materials that absorb neutrons, such as boron or cadmium. By adjusting the position of these control rods within the reactor core, the rate of fission and thus the power output can be regulated. Inserting the control rods absorbs neutrons and reduces the number available for further fission reactions, helping to maintain a steady power level.