[inbal]

I have a question regarding nuclear fission. From what I understood in class, in nuclear fission we basically convert U-235 into U-236, by colliding it with a free proton. As the free proton collides with the U-235, the collision is so powerful, that it releases powerful energy (nuclear power?)and splits the U-235 into two atoms. So now if the U-235 splits, then how did it become U_236, hence, an atom with one more proton then the atom it was before, and not and atom with half the number of protons (referring to the use of the word "split")? does anyone knows? or have a god refrrence?

[gippgig]

A free neutron, not proton, is usually used to cause fission. The ²³⁵U atom captures the neutron, forming a highly excited form of ²³⁶U that usually immediately splits (fissions) into 2 smaller atoms and a few neutrons. The ²³⁵U is temporarily (for a fraction of a second) converted to ²³⁶U THEN it fissions.