
Fission Fragment
Fission fragments are the smaller nuclei produced when a large atomic nucleus, such as uranium, splits during nuclear fission. This process releases a significant amount of energy, often used in nuclear power plants. When the nucleus splits, it typically forms two nearly equal-sized fragments along with some free neutrons and gamma radiation. These fragments are highly radioactive initially and undergo decay, eventually becoming stable isotopes. The formation of fission fragments is central to harnessing nuclear energy, as it drives the chain reactions that generate heat and electricity in nuclear reactors.