Lõhustuv

Lõhustuv is an Estonian word that translates to "fissile" or "cleavable" in English. It is most commonly used in a scientific context, particularly in nuclear physics and chemistry, to describe materials that can undergo nuclear fission.

In nuclear physics, a fissile material is defined as a nuclide that can sustain a nuclear chain reaction. This means that when the nucleus of an atom of a fissile material absorbs a neutron, it can split into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a significant amount of energy and additional neutrons. These released neutrons can then go on to induce fission in other fissile nuclei, leading to a chain reaction. Common examples of fissile materials include Uranium-235 and Plutonium-239. The ability of a material to be lõhustuv is crucial for the operation of nuclear reactors and the development of nuclear weapons.

The term can also be used more broadly to describe anything that is capable of being broken down or split. For instance, in biology, a cell that is dividing or undergoing apoptosis could be described as lõhustuv, although this usage is less common than in physics. The concept of lõhustuv highlights a fundamental property of certain substances and processes related to division and energy release.