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Uranium-235 is an isotope of uranium that differs from its other isotope, uranium-238, by
its ability to cause a rapidly expanding chain fission reaction. It absorbs a thermal
neutron and splits into two lighter substances by way of thermonuclear fission. It either releases 2 or 3 neutrons
and continues the reaction. In nuclear reactors, the reaction is
slowed down by the addition of control rods which are made of elements such as boron and cadmium which can absorb a large number of neutrons without decaying. In nuclear bombs, the reaction is uncontrolled and the large amount of energy released creates an explosion.
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