fission fragment
Quick Summary
In physics, a fission fragment refers to one of the lighter atomic nuclei produced when a heavier nucleus splits during nuclear fission. These fragments are highly unstable due to an excess of neutrons and undergo radioactive decay. This decay process involves emitting neutrons, converting neutrons into protons and electrons (beta decay), and releasing energy as gamma rays. For example, the fission of uranium-235 can produce barium and krypton nuclei as fission fragments. These fragments then transform into more stable elements through a series of radioactive decays. The energy released during fission, including from the fragments, is substantial and is described by Einstein's famous equation, E = mc2.123
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
