Splijtbaar

Splijtbaar is a Dutch adjective that translates to "fissile" or "cleavable" in English. It describes a material that can undergo nuclear fission, a process where the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a significant amount of energy. This splitting is typically initiated by the absorption of a neutron.

Materials that are considered splijtbaar are primarily certain isotopes of heavy elements, most notably Uranium-235 and Plutonium-239. These isotopes have a specific atomic structure that makes them susceptible to fission. When a neutron strikes the nucleus of a fissile atom, it can cause the nucleus to become unstable and split. This fission event not only releases energy but also typically releases additional neutrons, which can then go on to strike other fissile nuclei, creating a chain reaction.

The property of being splijtbaar is fundamental to the operation of nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons. In nuclear reactors, controlled chain reactions of fissile materials are used to generate heat, which is then converted into electricity. In nuclear weapons, uncontrolled and rapid chain reactions lead to a massive and destructive release of energy. The term "splijtbaar" is therefore closely associated with nuclear technology and its applications.