Nuclear fission: Difference between revisions

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imported>Howard C. Berkowitz
(New page: '''Nuclear fission''' takes place when the nucleus of a "heavy" (i.e., high atomic number) element absorbs a neutron and splits into two or more nuclei of lighter elements...)
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Revision as of 10:39, 27 May 2009

Nuclear fission takes place when the nucleus of a "heavy" (i.e., high atomic number) element absorbs a neutron and splits into two or more nuclei of lighter elements, with the release of substantial energy. Not all heavy element nuclei will split under neutron bombardment; it is specific isotopes of heavy elements that will be fissionable.