How a single neutron can trigger a massive chain reaction
In short: This video explains the mechanics of nuclear fission, showing how an atom splits to release energy and how those released neutrons can spark a continuous chain reaction.
The process begins when a fissile nucleus absorbs a neutron, causing it to split into two smaller nuclei and release one or more free neutrons. If these neutrons strike other nearby nuclei, they can induce further fissions, creating a chain reaction. This phenomenon can be harnessed in two ways: nuclear reactors use controlled, slower reactions to generate electricity, while nuclear weapons utilize fast, uncontrolled reactions to create an explosion. The energy released during this transformation is defined by the mass difference between the original reactants and the final products, expressed through Einstein's equation, E=mc².
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Nuclear fission | Physics | Khan Academy
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