The fission reaction exploited in nuclear power stations involves

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The fission reaction exploited in nuclear power stations involves neutron bombardment of uranium-235, which can split the nucleus into smaller fragments, release energy, and more neutrons, creating a chain reaction. Uranium-238 is not fissile, but can absorb neutrons and transmute into plutonium-239, which is fissile and can also sustain a chain reaction. Nonetheless, most nuclear power plants use enriched uranium-235 as fuel. Plutonium-239 is used in some nuclear weapons and breeder reactors. X-ray irradiation does not provide enough energy to trigger nuclear fission.

The Fission Reaction Exploited in Nuclear Power Stations Involves