how does one “obtain” neutrons to fire at atomic nuclei?

Question

so, i get that atoms can be split by colliding with neutrons, but how does one get a singular neutron?

In: 2

Answer 1

A neutron source. We have identified a few materials that we can fire alpha particles at, causing it to eject neutrons at high speeds. We then use these neutrons to do what we wish.

Alpha particles are easy enough to obtain as a very common mode of radioactive decay, and they are a charged particle, so we can accelerate them to any desired speed in a particle accelerator.