Changes

The fission of a nucleus releases an enormous amount of [[energy]], which can be harnessed in a [[nuclear reactor]] to generate electrical power. Nuclear fission can also be used in a destructive fashion, such as in a [[nuclear weapon]].  Fission also releases [[neutron]]s which can then impact and cause other nuclei to split, causing a chain reaction.  The two most common fissile elemnts used in nuclear power applications and weapons applications are [[uranium]] 235 and [[plutonium]] 239.

The fission of a nucleus releases an enormous amount of [[energy]], which can be harnessed in a [[nuclear reactor]] to generate electrical power. Nuclear fission can also be used in a destructive fashion, such as in a [[nuclear weapon]].  Fission also releases [[neutron]]s which can then impact and cause other nuclei to split, causing a chain reaction.  The two most common fissile elemnts used in nuclear power applications and weapons applications are [[uranium]] 235 and [[plutonium]] 239.

A [[critical mass]] of the right [[radioactive]] material is required to begin this chain reaction.  Once a critical mass of the proper radioactive material of good enough purity is acheived, the crhain reaction begins.

A [[critical mass]] of the right [[radioactive]] material is required to begin this chain reaction.  Once a critical mass of the proper radioactive material of good enough purity is achieved, the chain reaction begins.

==References==

==References==