Unleash the Power of the Atom

The Chain Reaction

Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a heavy nucleus (like Uranium-235). When the nucleus absorbs a neutron, it splits, releasing enormous energy and more neutrons. These new neutrons can hit other nuclei, creating a cascade. This is a chain reaction. To prevent it from growing out of control, nuclear reactors use control rods (often made of boron) which absorb neutrons without splitting, safely managing the energy release.