Super magnet reveals nuclear fission secrets by testing 100 exotic atomic nuclei

Interesting Engineering ^ | June 19, 2025 | Ameya Paleja

[SunkenCiv]

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden carried out nuclear fission reactions in 100 different types of exotic nuclei of elements like platinum, mercury, and lead in a bid to understand the reaction better.

In addition to helping us generate cleaner energy in the future, the research also sheds light on how elements are formed in the universe, according to a press release by the institute.

Nuclear fission is poised for a comeback after countries worldwide seek newer ways to fuel their energy demands. While wind and solar power plants are being readied at a frantic pace to meet net-zero targets, these technologies cannot address power requirements on demand and do not work around the clock.

However, the technology, which offers a carbon-free means of generating large amounts of energy, also has its share of problems, such as large amounts of radioactive waste produced during the process.

Newer approaches to nuclear energy, such as small modular or microreactors, look to address these issues. However, the underlying fission reaction is still poorly understood, and researchers are working on ways to address this shortcoming.

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TOPICS: Astronomy; Science
KEYWORDS: astronomy; fission; neutrons; physics; protons; science; stringtheory

[SunkenCiv]

Investigated nuclei are marked in colour, differing from stable isotopes, which are found in nature (marked in black). The colour also indicates how fission happens, the higher a column, the larger the difference is the mass difference of the two fission fragments.

Image credit: Pierre Morfouace

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks for the link!

Subtitled, Scientists find surprising reason why nuclear fission products are always asymmetric.

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[SpaceBar]

This is the method by which modern science understands the universe.

Smash it and count the pieces.

Take those pieces and smash em. Count the pieces.

[telescope115]

Interesting article.

[Ancesthntr]

Lead is exotic?

[reasonisfaith]

Notably, the scientists of modern science tend not to focus their investigations in the reverse direction. Some do though, but not prominently.

Many seem to avoid for example the cause of the electromagnetic force and the cause of the other three fundamental forces.