Fissionable

Definition

A fissionable material is capable of undergoing nuclear fission when struck by a neutron. This process releases a significant amount of energy and is the basis for nuclear reactors and weapons.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fissionable materials are essential for both nuclear power generation and atomic bombs.
2. Common fissionable isotopes include Uranium-235 and Plutonium-239.
3. Fissionable materials can sustain a chain reaction, which is crucial for energy production in reactors.
4. The difference between fissionable and fissile is that fissile materials can undergo fission with low-energy neutrons, while fissionable materials may require high-energy neutrons.
5. The mass number of an atom determines its potential to be fissionable; usually, isotopes with higher mass numbers are more likely to be fissionable.

Review Questions

Related terms

Nuclear Fission:

A nuclear reaction in which a heavy nucleus splits into smaller nuclei with the simultaneous release of energy.

Chain Reaction: A series of reactions where a reactive product or by-product causes additional reactions to take place.

Critical Mass:

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