fissioitumisreaktioiksi

Fissioitumisreaktiot, known in English as fission reactions, are nuclear processes where the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei. This splitting can be spontaneous, as in radioactive decay, or induced by the bombardment of the nucleus with a neutron or other particle. When a heavy atomic nucleus, such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239, undergoes fission, it releases a significant amount of energy in the form of kinetic energy of the fission fragments and gamma rays.

Crucially, fission reactions also typically release additional neutrons. These released neutrons can then go on to induce fission in other nearby fissile nuclei, leading to a chain reaction. This self-sustaining process is the fundamental principle behind nuclear power reactors and nuclear weapons. In a controlled chain reaction, the rate of fission is carefully managed to produce a steady output of energy, as seen in power plants. In an uncontrolled chain reaction, the fission rate escalates rapidly, resulting in an explosive release of energy, as in a nuclear bomb. The products of fission are generally lighter elements, often radioactive isotopes, along with the released energy and neutrons.