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Larger, more massive nuclei like uranium-235 become more stable by emitting an alpha particle, which is a helium nucleus composed of two protons and two neutrons. What does U-235 decay into?ĭecay of uranium-235 into thorium-231 and an alpha particle. More neutrons are also released when a uranium atom splits. During nuclear fission, a neutron collides with a uranium atom and splits it, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of heat and radiation. What happens during the fission of uranium?Īll nuclear power plants use nuclear fission, and most nuclear power plants use uranium atoms. This causes U-235 to become unstable and split into two light atoms called fission products. During fission, U-235 atoms absorb loose neutrons. Uranium-235 (U-235) is one of the isotopes that fissions easily. The heat released in fission can be used to help generate electricity in power plants.
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