Britannica
Sources used in this answer
What happens when an actinoid nucleus captures a neutron and undergoes fission?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
actinoid element
Modern version of the periodic table of the elements (printable).
When an actinoid nucleus captures a neutron and undergoes nuclear fission, the nucleus splits into two unequal, lighter atomic nuclei, known as fission products.12
This process is highly energetic and disruptive, resulting in the following outcomes:
- Energy Release: The splitting of the nucleus liberates enormous quantities of energy, significantly exceeding that of conventional chemical reactions.32
- Neutron Emission: The reaction releases two or more additional neutrons.2
- Chain Reactions: In environments such as nuclear reactors or atomic bombs, these newly released neutrons can be captured by other fissionable nuclei, inducing further fission reactions and sustaining a chain reaction.2
The resulting fission fragments are typically unstable and undergo successive radioactive decay processes—including beta and gamma decay—to reach a more stable state. While this process provides a powerful source of energy for electricity production, it also generates radioactive wastes that require careful management due to their hazardous nature.13