This starts an entirely new fission reaction releasing energy and three more neutrons. This is because these three neutrons are able to collide with other Uranium-235 atoms in the reactor. Surprisingly, the three neutrons that are released during the reaction are the most important part of the reaction. This means that the "binding energy" of the reactants is greater than the "binding energy" of the products, and that energy must be released. Energy is released because the total mass of the products (the atoms created) is less than the mass of the reactants (original atoms). Because this atom is unstable, it almost immediately breaks into two more stable atoms - Barium-141 and Kronium-92, as well as emitting three additional neutrons. When an additional neutron collides with this atom, it creates an even more unstable atom, Uranium-236. This causes the atom to be predisposed to reach a state where the protons and neutrons are much more balanced. An unstable atom has an excess of either protons or neutrons. Uranium-235 is used in most fission reactions because, given that it contains 92 protons and 143 neutrons, it is an unstable atom. In simple terms, nuclear fission is when a heavy unstable nucleus splits upon impact with another particle, releasing energy. About 11% of the world's power is generated from nuclear fission energy. Finding a new energy resource to take coal's place - one that does not contribute carbon emissions to climate change - is also important. As of now, coal remains the world's main source of energy. That means that finding a cheap, safe, and high-power energy source is extremely important to advancing the world around us. Energy powers our world, homes, businesses, and practically everything we use on a day-to-day basis.
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