fissiogenic

Fissiogenic is an adjective used to describe anything that causes or contributes to fission. In the context of nuclear physics, fission is a process where the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy. Therefore, a fissiogenic material is one that can readily undergo fission, or a fissiogenic event is one that triggers or results in fission.

The concept of fissiogenic applies to specific isotopes of heavy elements, such as uranium-235 and plutonium-239. These isotopes are fissile, meaning they can sustain a nuclear chain reaction. When a neutron strikes the nucleus of a fissile atom, it can absorb the neutron and become unstable, leading to fission. This process releases more neutrons, which can then go on to cause fission in other nearby fissile atoms, creating a chain reaction.

In a broader, non-nuclear context, the term fissiogenic can be used metaphorically to describe something that causes division or fragmentation. For instance, a highly controversial political policy might be described as fissiogenic if it leads to significant division within a society or an organization. However, its primary and scientific meaning is directly related to nuclear fission. The ability of a material to be fissiogenic is a critical property in the design and operation of nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons.