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Atomic Bomb

 

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             The basic principle in the making of nuclear technology lies on the splitting of the atom, known as nuclear fission. By definition, a nuclear fission "is when a heavy atom is split into two atoms by a neutron hitting it." However, in nuclear technology, it is not sufficient to have a split of an atom, but rather, it is also necessary to have a continuous chain reaction that results as other neutrons are emitted by the atom. This is what makes the energy double at a rate of once every ten-billionth of a second. .
             Although there several atoms that may be split when hit by a neutron, the capacity to generate enormous energy and to result in a chain reaction is only found in very few, particularly in the isotopes uranium 235 or plutonium 239. The nucleus of these two elements can be split into two identical atoms with an equal number of neutrons and protons. What makes the splitting of the nucleus of these two materials unique is that the thermal energy released is enormous. In addition to this, radiation through gamma rays is also emitted. When the nucleus of a uranium 235 or plutonium 239 atom splits, a neutron or two neutrons will also be let free. Such free neutrons will then hit the nucleus of another atom, causing another split to take place. Eventually, more neutrons will be emitted and more nuclei will be split. The end result is an enormous generation of thermal energy (heat), in addition to considerable radiation. This continuous chain reaction will only take place under certain circumstances, and will eventually result in a nuclear explosion. .
             Both uranium and plutonium are scientifically classified as radioactive materials, but not any uranium or plutonium atom will result in a nuclear fission. From all isotopes, uranium 235 and plutonium 239 are more adequate for this purpose because they release several neutrons when their nuclei split. In addition to this, the nuclear fission of these atoms releases much more energy than that of other atoms or isotopes.


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