3D Neutron Collision & Nuclear Fission Simulation

Welcome to the Nuclear Fission Simulation

Understanding Uranium-235 Chain Reactions

🔬 What is Nuclear Fission?

Nuclear fission is the process in which a heavy atomic nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy. This simulation demonstrates the fission of Uranium-235 (U-235).

The Uranium-235 Nucleus

A U-235 atom contains:

92 Protons - positive charge [+1] (red spheres)
143 Neutrons - no charge [0] (blue spheres)
92 Electrons - negative charge [-1] (green spheres orbiting)

💥 How Does Fission Take Place?

When a free neutron collides with a U-235 nucleus, it makes the nucleus unstable. The nucleus briefly becomes U-236, then splits into two smaller nuclei (fission products), releasing 2–3 additional neutrons and a significant amount of energy. This process is known as fission.

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How to Use This Simulation

Interactive Drag & Drop

🎮 Controls

Add Reaction Zone - Create up to 3 reaction zones (rectangular outlines in 3D space)
Add Uranium - Add up to 3 U-235 nuclei to the simulation
Add Neutron - Add up to 3 free neutrons to trigger fission
Drag & Drop - Drag nuclei and neutrons into zones (click and drag the nucleus rotation to move)
START - Only enabled when at least one zone is ready AND all particles are paired in zones
Camera - Use zoom buttons or drag particles to rotate them

💡 Tip: Each zone holds exactly one nucleus and one neutron. All particles must be assigned to zones before you can start reactions. Hover over particles to see details.

🔍 Reaction Zone Rules

Zone Outlines - Dashed rectangular boxes show each zone in 3D space
One Pair Per Zone - Each zone holds exactly one nucleus + one neutron
All Must Be Paired - No particles can be left outside zones to start
Drag to Assign - Drag particles from their spawned position into the zone outlines

Real-World Application - This simulation demonstrates controlled nuclear reactions where reactors harness the energy released during the fission process to generate electricity, sterilise medical equipment, provide sources for scientific research, etc..

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Reaction Info

Particle Legend

Learn More

Continued...

Controls

Reaction Checklist

Reaction Zones

Camera Zoom

Playback Speed

Welcome to the Nuclear Fission Simulation

🔬 What is Nuclear Fission?

The Uranium-235 Nucleus

💥 How Does Fission Take Place?

How to Use This Simulation

🎮 Controls

🔍 Reaction Zone Rules

Reaction Info

Particle Legend

Learn More

Continued...

Internal Neutron Collision is Available

Controls

Reaction Checklist

Reaction Zones

Camera Zoom

Playback Speed

Welcome to the Nuclear Fission Simulation

🔬 What is Nuclear Fission?

The Uranium-235 Nucleus

💥 How Does Fission Take Place?

How to Use This Simulation

🎮 Controls

🔍 Reaction Zone Rules