Nuclear Fission Simulation
Launch a neutron at a uranium-235 nucleus. Watch the nucleus absorb the neutron, become unstable, split into smaller nuclei, release energy, and produce more neutrons that can continue the chain reaction.
Simplified fission equation
U-235 + n → Ba-141 + Kr-92 + 3n + energy
Fission Events
0
Free Neutrons
0
Energy Released
0
Control Rods
30%
30%
Higher absorption removes more neutrons, slowing or stopping the chain reaction.
U-235 nucleus
Neutron
Daughter nuclei
Energy release
Press Fire Neutron to begin. The neutron must hit a U-235 nucleus to start fission.
What this model shows
- A neutron is absorbed by a uranium-235 nucleus.
- The nucleus becomes unstable and splits into smaller nuclei.
- Energy and additional neutrons are released.
- Released neutrons can strike other nuclei, causing a chain reaction.
