Why do we use Uranium and Plutonium for nukes? Is it possible to use other elements?
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We use them because certain isotopes are just the right amount of unstable. This means they radioactively decay at a certain rate and release neutrons. There is a certain quantity and density of these elements that will cause the neutrons they release to start a chain reaction which accelerates the decay and split, releasing more neutrons. With uranium-238 and plutonium-239, that “critical mass” is achievable and the elements are stable enough to stick around long enough to use. Other elements are either too stable or not stable enough to make a good fission bomb. Some other elements can be used to generate power through fission, but make bad bombs, like Thorium. Then there are always fusion bombs, which use a fission bomb to make hydrogen fuse into helium, which is an even bigger boom.
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