Fissile

Definition

A fissile material is capable of sustaining a nuclear fission chain reaction. It can easily capture thermal (slow) neutrons and undergo fission.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Common examples of fissile materials include Uranium-235, Plutonium-239, and Uranium-233.
2. Fissile materials are crucial for both nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons.
3. Fissile isotopes can sustain a chain reaction because they have a high probability of fission when absorbing a neutron.
4. During fission, the nucleus splits into smaller fragments, releasing energy and more neutrons.
5. The concept of critical mass is essential for understanding how a sufficient quantity of fissile material can sustain a chain reaction.

Review Questions

Related terms

Fission:

The process by which a nucleus splits into smaller parts, releasing energy and neutrons.

Critical Mass:

The minimum amount of fissile material needed to maintain a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction.

Neutron Moderator: A substance used in nuclear reactors to slow down fast neutrons so they can be captured by fissile nuclei.