tuumalõhustumisel

Tuumalõhustumisel refers to nuclear fission, a process in nuclear physics where the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller, lighter nuclei. This splitting is usually accompanied by the release of a large amount of energy, as well as neutrons and gamma rays. The process can be spontaneous, such as in the case of some radioactive isotopes, or it can be induced by bombarding the nucleus with particles, typically neutrons.

When a heavy, unstable nucleus like uranium-235 absorbs a neutron, it becomes even more unstable and undergoes fission. This fission event produces two or more smaller nuclei (fission fragments), several neutrons, and a significant release of energy. The released neutrons can then go on to strike other fissile nuclei, creating a chain reaction. This chain reaction is the principle behind nuclear power reactors and nuclear weapons.

The energy released during fission comes from the conversion of mass into energy, as described by Einstein's famous equation E=mc². The total mass of the fission fragments and released neutrons is slightly less than the mass of the original heavy nucleus and the incident neutron, with the difference in mass being converted into energy. The precise fission products vary depending on the specific fissile material and the energy of the incident neutron. Tuumalõhustumisel is a fundamental process in understanding nuclear energy and radioactivity.