fissiileihin

Fissiiliin is a Finnish term that translates to "fissile material" in English. Fissile materials are a specific type of radioactive isotopes that are capable of sustaining a nuclear chain reaction. This means that when the nucleus of a fissile atom absorbs a neutron, it undergoes fission, splitting into two or more lighter nuclei. This process releases a significant amount of energy, along with several additional neutrons. These newly released neutrons can then go on to induce fission in other fissile nuclei, creating a self-sustaining chain reaction.

The most common fissile materials are Uranium-235 (U-235) and Plutonium-239 (Pu-239). These isotopes are crucial for the operation of nuclear reactors, where controlled chain reactions are used to generate electricity. They are also the key components in nuclear weapons, where uncontrolled chain reactions lead to a rapid release of a massive amount of energy.

The production and handling of fissile materials are subject to strict international regulations due to their potential use in nuclear proliferation and their inherent radioactivity. Enrichment processes are often required to increase the concentration of fissile isotopes, particularly for U-235, to make them suitable for specific applications. The study of fissile materials and their properties is a fundamental aspect of nuclear physics and engineering.