Which type of material has atoms that can be split?

Materials whose atoms can be split are called fissionable materials. This concept is a part of nuclear physics and deals with the structure of atoms and the energy stored in their nuclei. Fissionable materials have large, unstable nuclei that can break apart into smaller nuclei when struck by a neutron or other subatomic particles.

When a fissionable atom splits, it releases a large amount of energy, as well as additional neutrons. These neutrons can then trigger the splitting of other fissionable nuclei, creating a chain reaction. This principle is the basis for nuclear reactors and atomic bombs, where controlled or uncontrolled chain reactions release tremendous energy.

Common examples of fissionable materials include uranium-235 and plutonium-239. These elements are heavy, radioactive, and capable of sustaining a chain reaction when exposed to slow neutrons. Not all radioactive materials are fissionable; only certain isotopes with the right nuclear properties can undergo fission efficiently.

Fissionable materials are different from fusionable materials, which are used in nuclear fusion, a process where light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. Fusion releases energy in stars, including the Sun, and is fundamentally different from splitting heavy nuclei. Combustible materials, on the other hand, release energy through chemical reactions, not nuclear reactions.

Understanding fissionable materials helps students grasp nuclear energy, atomic structure, and energy production at a fundamental level. These materials demonstrate how nuclear physics principles are applied in real-world technology, including electricity generation and scientific research, making them an essential topic in Physics.