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Chapter 21: Problem 37

Define nuclear fission, nuclear chain reaction, and critical mass.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Nuclear fission is a reaction where an atom's nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, releasing energy and free neutrons. A nuclear chain reaction is when these free neutrons trigger further fission reactions. Critical mass refers to the minimum quantity of fissile material required to sustain a nuclear chain reaction.

Step by step solution

01

Defining Nuclear Fission

Nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction or a radioactive decay process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller, lighter nuclei. It usually releases a significant amount of energy in the form of gamma photons and free neutrons.
02

Defining Nuclear Chain Reaction

A nuclear chain reaction occurs when the products of a nuclear fission reaction trigger further reactions. In nuclear physics, this is typically done by free neutrons from a fission event causing an additional fission, which in turn releases more neutrons than can cause more fissions.
03

Defining Critical Mass

Critical mass is the minimum amount of fissile material needed to maintain a nuclear chain reaction. The exact mass depends on several factors, including the type of fissile material, its shape and density, and the degree to which neutrons are reflected back into the material.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Since \(1994,\) elements \(110,111,112,\) and 114 have been synthesized. Element 110 was created by bombarding \({ }^{208} \mathrm{~Pb}\) with \({ }^{62} \mathrm{Ni}\); element 111 was created by bombarding \({ }^{209} \mathrm{Bi}\) with \({ }^{64} \mathrm{Ni}\); element 112 was created by bombarding \({ }^{208} \mathrm{~Pb}\) with \({ }^{66} \mathrm{Zn}\); element 114 was created by bombarding \({ }^{244} \mathrm{Pu}\) with \({ }^{48} \mathrm{Ca}\). Write an equation for each synthesis. Predict the chemical properties of these elements. Use \(W\) for element \(110, X\) for element \(111, \mathrm{Y}\) for element \(112,\) and \(\mathrm{Z}\) for element 114

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After the Chernobyl accident, people living close to the nuclear reactor site were urged to take large amounts of potassium iodide as a safety precaution. What is the chemical basis for this action?

What are the advantages of a fusion reactor over a fission reactor? What are the practical difficulties in operating a large-scale fusion reactor?

The radioactive isotope \({ }^{238} \mathrm{Pu},\) used in pacemakers, decays by emitting an alpha particle with a half-life of 86 yr. (a) Write an equation for the decay process. (b) The energy of the emitted alpha particle is \(9.0 \times 10^{-13} \mathrm{~J}\), which is the energy per decay. Assume that all the alpha particle energy is used to run the pacemaker, calculate the power output at \(t=0\) and \(t=10 \mathrm{yr}\). Initially \(1.0 \mathrm{mg}\) of \({ }^{238} \mathrm{Pu}\) was present in the pacemaker (Hint: After \(10 \mathrm{yr}\), the activity of the isotope decreases by 8.0 percent. Power is measured in watts or \(\mathrm{J} / \mathrm{s}\).).
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