What is spontaneous fission?

Spontaneous fission is the process in which a nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei without external stimulation.

Spontaneous fission is a type of radioactive decay that occurs when a nucleus spontaneously splits into two smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the process. This process is different from induced fission, which occurs when a nucleus is bombarded by a neutron or other particle. Spontaneous fission typically occurs in heavy, unstable nuclei that have too many protons and neutrons to be stable.

The probability of spontaneous fission occurring increases with the size of the nucleus, as well as the number of neutrons it contains. For example, uranium-238 has a half-life of 4.5 billion years and undergoes spontaneous fission at a rate of about one fission per day per kilogram of material. In contrast, lighter nuclei such as carbon-14 do not undergo spontaneous fission and decay primarily through beta decay.

Spontaneous fission can release a large amount of energy in the form of gamma rays, neutrons, and other particles. This energy can be harnessed for nuclear power generation, but it can also be dangerous if not properly controlled. The decay products of spontaneous fission can also be highly radioactive and pose a risk to human health and the environment.