Performed unknowingly by Enrico Fermi in 1934 and capable of being sustained only by isotopes of plutonium and uranium, for 10 points, what type of nuclear reaction involves large atoms splitting into smaller ones?
This process occurred naturally at Oklo, Gabon around two billion years ago, and it was first explained by Lise Meitner after experiments performed by Otto Hahn. The six-factor formula gives the effective neutron multiplication factor for one of these processes, which equals one when these reactions are self-sustaining, or (*) "critical". It is sped up by neutron reflectors like beryllium and moderated by graphite or water, and this reaction's rate is limited by control rods. Performed unknowingly by Enrico Fermi in 1934 and capable of being sustained only by isotopes of plutonium and uranium, for 10 points, what type of nuclear reaction involves large atoms splitting into smaller ones?
This process occurred naturally at Oklo, Gabon around two billion years ago, and it was first explained by Lise Meitner after experiments performed by Otto Hahn.
nuclear {fission} [prompt on {nuclear} reactions]