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  4. The fission of 235U can be triggered by the absorption of a slow neutron by a nucleus. Similarly a slow proton can also be used. This statement is

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Q. The fission of $ ^{235}U $ can be triggered by the absorption of a slow neutron by a nucleus. Similarly a slow proton can also be used. This statement is

AFMCAFMC 2007Nuclei

Solution:

Because the neutron has no electric charge, it experiences no electric repulsion from a $U^{235} $ nucleus. Hence, a slow moving neutron can approach and enter a $U^{235} $ nucleus, thereby providing the excitation needed to trigger fission. By contrast a slow moving proton feels a strong repulsion from a $U^{235} $ nucleus. It never gets close to the nucleus, so it cannot trigger fission.