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| Nuclear Energy
Institute | Science Club | Nuclear World Splitting the Atom Matter is made up of billions of tiny particles called atoms. Each atom has a center, or nucleus, consisting of protons and neutrons. In some types of atoms, the nucleus is unstable and breaks up, releasing the neutrons. When the neutrons hit other atoms, these atoms also split—a process known as fission—releasing more neutrons along with heat.
Animation
courtesy of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Students' Corner: Nuclear Energy
Institute—Washington, DC |
