fission product: Quick Facts

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Diagram showing the sequence of uranium nucleus fission after being struck by a neutron: the nucleus absorbs the neutron, deforms, splits into fragments, releases more neutrons and gamma rays, and emits beta particles as the fragments decay. Labels identify neutrons, protons, beta particles, and gamma rays, with accompanying explanatory text.

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fission fragment nuclear fission nuclear energy fallout thermal neutron prompt neutron spontaneous fission critical mass