ASTRO 142 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Gauge Boson, Massless Particle, Nuclear Fission
Document Summary
Nuclear fission occurs when a heavy nucleus splits into two lighter nuclei. Fission is the spontaneous splitting of the nucleus into two much lighter nuclei: only a few very heavy isotopes participate in fission reactions (the most important natural fissionable isotope is uranium 235. It occurs in the innermost core, where the tremendous pressure due to the weight of the overlying layers confines the nuclei and creates the high temperature and densities required. It is also for this reason that nuclear fusion is extraordinarily difficult to create and maintain on earth. What are the 4 fundamental forces of nature (which are you familiar with in daily life?) The 4 fundamental forces are strong interaction, weak interaction, electromagnetic force, and gravity. The photon is massless; therefore, the range of the electromagnetic force is unlimited: gravity is also carried by a massless boson, the graviton, which has so far eluded detection.
