Conceptual question - radioactive nucleus stability

[mstud]

Homework Statement

A $^{238}_{92} U$ nucleus can catch a neutron with small kinetical energy. Then we'll get a $^{239}_{92} U$ nucleus. This nucleus has too many neutrons compared to the number of protons to be stable. How can the nucleus achieve a better balance between neutrons and protons without fissioning?

Homework Equations

N/A

The Attempt at a Solution

send out $\alpha$-particle(s)? That's not considered fission, right?

 

[kuruman]

It is not fission, it is alpha decay. For more on fission see

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nucene/fission.html#c1