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fission chain reaction refers to a process where atoms split apart, releasing a large amount of energy. This splitting generates more splitting in nearby atoms, creating a continuous chain reaction. It is used in nuclear power plants and atomic bombs to produce large amounts of energy.
Full definition
On December 2, 1942, scientists watched as the nuclear reactor that had been constructed beneath the University of Chicago's football stadium produced the first controlled,
sustained fission chain reaction.
The way to cut off
a fission chain reaction, then, is to intercept the neutrons.
When the control rods are inserted into the core, they absorb neutrons and stop
the fission chain reaction.
The detonation unleashed the colossally destructive power of
a fission chain reaction and changed the world forever.
Nuclear reactors need to cool fuel as they undergoes
the fission chain reaction.
The thermal neutrons can then be absorbed by uranium - 235, which undergoes further reactions to produce even more neutrons in order to sustain
a fission chain reaction.
Currently, most nuclear reactors in America rely on thermal neutrons to sustain
a fission chain reaction.
The boron absorbs the excess neutrons in the reactor and disrupts
the fission chain reaction - effectively shutting it down completely.
The fission chain reaction must be maintained at the correct rate and quickly adjusted or stopped when necessary.