Nuclear fission product

Nuclear fission product refers to the atomic fragments left after a large atomic nucleus undergoes nuclear fission. Typically, a large nucleus like that of uranium or plutonium absorbs a neutron and splits into two radioactive nuclei, releasing energy in the process. This process is a key part of nuclear power generation and nuclear weapons production.

Overview

Nuclear fission products are the residual atomic fragments from the fission of a larger atom. Most often, the larger atom is uranium or plutonium. The fission process often produces free neutrons and photons, in the form of gamma rays, and releases a large amount of energy.

Fission Products

The two atomic fragments produced by the fission process are typically radioactive and have roughly half the mass of the original atom. These fragments are known as fission products. The most common fission products include isotopes of iodine, cesium, strontium, xenon and barium.

Energy Release

The energy released in the fission process is primarily due to the kinetic energy of the fission products and neutrons, and the energy carried away by the gamma rays. This energy release is the basis for nuclear power and nuclear weapons.

Fission Product Decay

Fission products typically undergo beta decay, where a neutron is transformed into a proton in the nucleus, producing an electron and an electron antineutrino. This process results in the fission product moving closer to stability, often resulting in a different element.

Fission Product Yield

Fission product yield refers to the number of a particular type of fission product produced per fission. Yield is usually expressed as a percentage of the total number of fissions. The yield of a particular fission product is a complex function of the parent nucleus, the energy of the inducing particle, and the total number of fissions.

Fission Product Hazard

Fission products are often highly radioactive and pose a significant hazard in both nuclear power generation and nuclear weapons production. The handling and disposal of fission products is a key aspect of nuclear safety.

See Also

• Nuclear fission
• Radioactive decay
• Nuclear power
• Nuclear weapons