How is the fission of a uranium-235 nucleus induced?

1 Answer
Ernest Z.
Aug 20, 2014

The absorption of a "slow" neutron induces the fission of a uranium-235 nucleus.

The uranium-235 absorbs the neutron and forms an unstable compound nucleus, uranium-236.

#""_92^235"U" + _0^1"n" → _92^236"U"#

This nucleus then splits into two smaller nuclei. For example,

#""_92^236"U" → _56^141"Ba" + _36^92"Kr" +3_0^1"n"#

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