The capture of a neutron can split a nucleus - but only for certain isotopes like U-235 and Pu-239.
Two naturally occurring isotopes undergo spontaneous fission, meaning the nucleus splits without neutron capture. These are 235U and 238U. A few other isotopes undergo spontaneous fission, but these are produced by an earlier neutron capture. Spontaneous fission is the result of quantum tunnelling, which is rather difficult to explain. There are related links below.
Splitting an atomic nucleus results in a process called nuclear fission, where a large nucleus is split into smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of heat and radiation. This process is the basis of nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons.
the splitting of a nucleus
fission. In this process, a large atom, such as Uranium-235, splits into smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of heat and gamma radiation. This is the principle behind nuclear reactors and atomic bombs.
the absorption of a free-moving neutron by the atom's nucleus
A fission equation describes the splitting of an atomic nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei, accompanied by the release of a large amount of energy. An example of a fission reaction is the splitting of a uranium nucleus into two smaller nuclei, along with the release of neutrons and energy.
nuclear fission
fission.
the splitting of a nucleus
The splitting of the nucleus is called mitosis, which is the division of the nucleus into two identical daughter nuclei. It involves several stages, including prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, where the chromosomes are separated and distributed equally to each daughter cell.
The splitting of a nucleus atom
No, splitting wood does not involve splitting atoms. Splitting wood refers to the process of using a tool, such as an axe or a log splitter, to separate a piece of wood into smaller pieces that are more manageable for fuel or woodworking purposes. Splitting atoms, on the other hand, refers to the process of breaking apart the nucleus of an atom, often done in nuclear reactions for energy production or scientific research.
Nuclear fission
Splitting an atom is Fission.
weapon with great explosive power that results from the sudden release of energy upon the splitting, or fission, of the nuclei of such heavy elements as plutonium or uranium. When a neutron strikes the nucleus of an atom of the isotopes uranium 235 or plutonium-239, it causes that nucleus to split into two fragments, each of which is a nucleus with about half the protons and neutrons of the original nucleus. In the process of splitting, a great amount of thermal energy, as well as gamma rays and two or more neutrons, is released..
The splitting of an atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei is called nuclear fission.
Splitting an atomic nucleus results in a process called nuclear fission, where a large nucleus is split into smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of heat and radiation. This process is the basis of nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons.
Nuclear fission is defined as splitting large nuclei into smaller ones.