Fissility

Fissility refers to the capability or propensity of a nucleus of an atom to undergo nuclear fission, the process where it splits into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing energy. This characteristic is crucial in nuclear reactors and weapons, determining the likelihood and ease with which a substance can sustain a chain reaction. The more fissile a material, the lower the critical mass required to maintain this self-sustaining fission process and thus release vast amounts of energy. Its presence hinges on factors like the atomic number of the element in question and the properties of its isotopes. The most common examples include uranium and plutonium.

Fissility meaning with examples

• The design of the experimental nuclear reactor focused heavily on uranium's fissility, seeking to optimize the rate of controlled fission.
• Scientists research novel compounds with enhanced fissility, aiming to increase the efficiency of nuclear power generation, using new reactor designs.
• During the Cold War, the pursuit of fissility in plutonium isotopes drove a significant portion of the arms race.
• Safeguards are essential when dealing with fissile materials. Control is put in place to prevent unauthorized use of these fissile isotopes.