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Chapter 21: Problem 43

Define nuclear fusion, thermonuclear reaction, and plasma.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Nuclear fusion is a process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. A thermonuclear reaction is a nuclear fusion process that occurs at very high temperatures, such as in stars. Plasma is a state of matter consisting of a gas of ions and free electrons, and can be found in flames, lightning, and stars.

Step by step solution

01

Define Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion is a process in which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. This is accompanied by the release or absorption of energy depending on the masses of the nuclei involved. A common example of nuclear fusion is the process occurring in the sun and stars, where hydrogen nuclei fuse to form helium.
02

Define Thermonuclear Reaction

A thermonuclear reaction is a nuclear fusion process that occurs at very high temperatures. These reactions occur in stellar interiors, including the sun, where temperatures reach millions of degrees. The high temperature and pressure allow for the overcoming of the electrostatic repulsion between the positively charged nuclei to allow fusion to occur.
03

Define Plasma

Plasma is one of the four fundamental states of matter, along with solid, liquid, and gas. It consists of a gas of ions - atoms which have some of their orbital electrons removed - and free electrons. Plasma can be artificially produced by heating a neutral gas or subjecting it to a strong electromagnetic field. In nature, plasmas are found in flames, lightning, and the stars.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

As a result of being exposed to the radiation released during the Chernobyl nuclear accident, the dose of iodine- 131 in a person's body is \(7.4 \mathrm{mC}(1 \mathrm{mC}=1 \times\) \(10^{-3} \mathrm{Ci}\) ). Use the relationship rate \(=\lambda N\) to calculate the number of atoms of iodine- 131 to which this radioactivity corresponds. (The half-life of \({ }^{131} \mathrm{I}\) is 8.1 days.)

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

In each pair of isotopes shown, indicate which one you would expect to be radioactive: (a) \({ }_{10}^{20} \mathrm{Ne}\) and \({ }_{10}^{17} \mathrm{Ne},(\mathrm{b}){ }_{20}^{40} \mathrm{Ca}\) and \({ }_{20}^{45} \mathrm{Ca},(\mathrm{c}){ }_{44}^{95} \mathrm{Mo}\) and \({ }_{43}^{92} \mathrm{Tc},(\mathrm{d}){ }_{80}^{195} \mathrm{Hg}\) and \({ }^{196} \mathrm{Hg},\) (e) \({ }^{209} \mathrm{Bi}\) and \({ }_{96}^{242} \mathrm{Cm}\)

To detect bombs that may be smuggled onto airplanes, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will soon require all major airports in the United States to install thermal neutron analyzers. The thermal neutron analyzer will bombard baggage with low-energy neutrons, converting some of the nitrogen- 14 nuclei to nitrogen- \(15,\) with simultaneous emission of \(\gamma\) rays. Because nitrogen content is usually high in explosives, detection of a high dosage of \(\gamma\) rays will suggest that a bomb may be present. (a) Write an equation for the nuclear process. (b) Compare this technique with the conventional X-ray detection method.

Identify two of the most abundant radioactive elements that exist on Earth. Explain why they are still present. (You may need to consult a handbook of chemistry.)
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