Chemistry / Unit 12 Chem 2535 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Twin: Nuclear Fission
Captions available
The idea
Nuclear fission splits a large nucleus into smaller, more stable fragments, releasing energy since those fragments sit higher on the binding-energy curve.
In practice
A uranium-235 nucleus absorbing a neutron splits into fragments like barium and krypton, plus neutrons and energy.
Where people slip
Fission is favorable only for nuclei heavier than the curve's peak near mass 56 — logic reverses for light nuclei, hence its twin.
Your place on the trail
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