Successive neutron captures |
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Multiple captures of neutrons are responsible for the formation of plutonium isotopes and actinides in reactors. This map of nuclei shows how a succession of neutron captures and beta decays generates the isotopes of plutonium. In the case of plutonium-239 and plutonium-241, considerd fissile, the capture of slow neutrons triggers often a fission. Fast neutrons are able to split the other isotopes of plutonium. |
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