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| The splitting of an atomic nucleus, particularly that of a heavy element such as uranium-235, into two main parts accompanied by the release of much energy. |
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Definition
| A self-sustaining reaction in which one reaction event stimulates one or more additional reaction events to keep the process going. |
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| The minimum mass of fissionable material in a nuclear reactor or nuclear bomb that will sustain a chain reaction. |
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Definition
| A nuclear fission reactor that not only produces power but produces more nuclear fuel than it consumes by converting a non fissionable uranium isotope into a fissionable plutonium isotope. |
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Definition
| The combining of nuclei of light atoms, such as hydrogen, into heavier nuclei accompanied by the release of much energy. |
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Definition
| Nuclear fusion brought about by extremely high temperatures. |
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