Lõhustamise

Lõhustamise, often translated as fissile material or fissionable material, refers to a substance that can sustain a nuclear chain reaction. This means that when an atom of a lõhustamise material absorbs a neutron, it can undergo nuclear fission, splitting into two or more lighter atomic nuclei. This process releases a significant amount of energy, along with more neutrons. These newly released neutrons can then go on to strike other lõhustamise atoms, perpetuating the chain reaction.

The most common lõhustamise materials are isotopes of uranium and plutonium. Specifically, Uranium-235 (U-235) and Plutonium-239 (Pu-239) are the primary isotopes used in nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons due to their fissile properties. Other isotopes, such as Uranium-233 (U-233), also exhibit fissile characteristics. The ability to sustain a chain reaction is dependent on several factors, including the enrichment level of the fissile isotope, the presence of a moderator to slow down neutrons, and the geometry of the material.

Lõhustamise materials are crucial for both peaceful and military applications. In nuclear power plants, controlled chain reactions of lõhustamise materials generate heat, which is then used to produce electricity. In nuclear weapons, an uncontrolled and rapid chain reaction of lõhustamise materials releases a massive amount of energy in a very short time. The handling and possession of lõhustamise materials are subject to strict international regulations due to their potential for misuse.