/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 39 Explain how an atomic bomb works... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

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Chapter 21: Problem 39

Explain how an atomic bomb works.

Short Answer

Expert verified
An atomic bomb operates on the principle of nuclear fission. Two subcritical masses of a fissile material are brought to a supercritical state by conventional explosives. A neutron source then triggers a nuclear reaction where the key element (uranium-235 or plutonium-239) breaks into two smaller nuclei and releases energy. The fission process causes a chain reaction and the energy created results in an explosion.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Structure

An atomic bomb generally comprises two parts of a sub-critical mass of fissile material (usually uranium-235 or plutonium-239) that, combined, will start a nuclear chain reaction. These pieces are placed in a casing and monitored by a neutron source.
02

Distribution and Initiation

To initiate the explosive chain reaction, conventional explosives placed around the bomb first detonate to bring the sub-critical masses to a supercritical state. The neutron source then emits neutrons to trigger the nuclear reaction.
03

Nuclear Fission and Chain Reaction

The key element in an atomic bomb, Uranium-235 or Plutonium-239, undergoes fission when it absorbs a neutron, breaking into two smaller nuclei and releasing several millions of electron volts of energy. This fission process also releases more neutrons which can then cause further fission in a chain reaction leading to an explosion.
04

The Explosion and Resulting Aftermath

When the chain reaction is allowed to proceed at an uncontrolled rate, it releases a massive amount of energy all at once, leading to an explosion. The aftermath of such an explosion includes not just the blast, but radioactive fallout that can cause contamination.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Complete these nuclear equations and identify \(X\) in each case: (a) \({ }^{135}{ }_{53} \mathrm{I} \longrightarrow{ }_{54}^{135} \mathrm{Xe}+\mathrm{X}\) (b) \({ }_{19}^{40} \mathrm{~K} \longrightarrow{ }_{-1}^{0} \beta+\mathrm{X}\) (c) \({ }_{27}^{59} \mathrm{Co}+{ }_{0}^{1} \mathrm{n} \longrightarrow{ }_{25}^{56} \mathrm{Mn}+\mathrm{X}\) (d) \({ }_{92}^{235} \mathrm{U}+{ }_{0}^{1} \mathrm{n} \longrightarrow{ }_{40}^{99} \mathrm{Zr}+{ }_{52}^{135} \mathrm{Te}+2 \mathrm{X}\)

Name two advantages of a nuclear-powered submarine over a conventional submarine.

Why do heavy elements such as uranium undergo fission while light elements such as hydrogen and lithium undergo fusion?

State the general rules for predicting nuclear stability.

Complete these nuclear equations and identify \(\mathrm{X}\) in each case: (a) \({ }_{12}^{26} \mathrm{Mg}+{ }_{1}^{1} \mathrm{p} \longrightarrow{ }_{2}^{4} \alpha+\mathrm{X}\) (b) \({ }_{27}^{59} \mathrm{Co}+{ }_{1}^{2} \mathrm{H} \longrightarrow{ }_{27}^{60} \mathrm{Co}+\mathrm{X}\) (c) \({ }_{92}^{235} \mathrm{U}+{ }_{0}^{1} \mathrm{n} \longrightarrow{ }_{36}^{94} \mathrm{Kr}+{ }_{56}^{139} \mathrm{Ba}+3 \mathrm{X}\) (d) \({ }_{24}^{53} \mathrm{Cr}+{ }_{2}^{4} \alpha \longrightarrow{ }_{0}^{1} \mathrm{n}+\mathrm{X}\) (e) \({ }_{8}^{20} \mathrm{O} \longrightarrow{ }_{9}^{20} \mathrm{~F}+\mathrm{X}\)
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