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.
Nuclear Fusion Simulation
Bring deuterium and tritium nuclei together. At low temperature, the positively charged nuclei repel each other. At high temperature and pressure, they can collide with enough energy to fuse into helium, releasing a neutron and energy.
Simplified fusion equation
H-2 + H-3 → He-4 + n + energy
Fusion Events
0
Energy Released
0
Temperature
50%
Pressure
50%
50%
Higher temperature makes nuclei move faster, making fusion more likely.
50%
Higher pressure pushes nuclei closer together, increasing collision frequency.
Deuterium, H-2
Tritium, H-3
Helium, He-4
Neutron
Energy release
Press Launch Nuclei. If the nuclei collide with enough energy, they can overcome repulsion and fuse.
What this model shows
- Hydrogen isotopes are positively charged, so they repel each other.
- High temperature gives nuclei more kinetic energy.
- High pressure increases the chance of collisions.
- When fusion occurs, a larger nucleus forms and energy is released.
