Thread: Nuclear Fission Question

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...

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