tuumalõhustumise

Tuumalõhustumine is the Estonian term for nuclear fission. It is a process in nuclear physics where the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy. This process can be initiated by bombarding a heavy nucleus, such as uranium or plutonium, with a neutron. When the neutron strikes the nucleus, it becomes unstable and breaks apart. In addition to the smaller nuclei, this fission process also releases more neutrons and gamma rays, which can then go on to cause further fission reactions in a chain reaction.

The energy released during nuclear fission comes from the conversion of a small amount of mass into energy, as described by Einstein's famous equation E=mc². This energy can be harnessed for various purposes, most notably in nuclear power plants to generate electricity. Nuclear reactors are designed to control the rate of the chain reaction, preventing it from becoming uncontrolled.

Tuumalõhustumine is also the fundamental principle behind nuclear weapons. In an uncontrolled chain reaction, an immense amount of energy is released very rapidly, leading to an explosion. The study and application of tuumalõhustumine are significant fields in physics and engineering, with both beneficial and potentially destructive implications. Research continues to explore more efficient and safer methods for utilizing this powerful nuclear process.