/*! 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 21 How can a nucleus of uranium- 23... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 11: Problem 21

How can a nucleus of uranium- 235 be induced to fission? Describe what happens to the nucleus.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: To induce fission in a uranium-235 nucleus, you need to hit it with a slow-moving neutron. When the nucleus absorbs the neutron, it becomes unstable and splits into two smaller nuclei, known as fission products. A large amount of energy is released in the form of kinetic energy and gamma radiation. Around 2-3 neutrons are also emitted, which can induce fission in other uranium-235 nuclei, leading to a chain reaction. In nuclear power plants, the energy from this reaction is used to generate electricity, and control rods are used to regulate the process and avoid meltdowns.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Fission in Uranium-235

Uranium-235 (U-235) is an unstable isotope of uranium that undergoes fission, which is a process where the nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei. Fission can happen spontaneously, but in most cases, it is induced by the absorption of a neutron by the nucleus of the atom.
02

Inducing Fission in Uranium-235

To induce fission in a U-235 nucleus, you need to hit the nucleus with a slow-moving neutron. When the U-235 nucleus absorbs this neutron, it becomes uranium-236 (U-236). This new isotope, U-236, has an unstable nucleus and as a result, will break apart into two smaller nuclei.
03

Understanding The Fission Products

When U-236 undergoes fission, it splits into two smaller nuclei, called fission products. These fission products are typically radioactive isotopes of other elements, such as strontium-90 or cesium-137. The fission process also releases energy in the form of kinetic energy and gamma radiation.
04

Energy Release and Neutron Emission

During the fission process, a large amount of energy is released. This energy is primarily in the form of kinetic energy of the fission products and the emitted neutrons. The fission of a single U-235 nucleus can release several MeV of energy. Additionally, on average, around 2-3 neutrons are emitted in the fission process. These neutrons can then go on to induce fission in other U-235 nuclei, creating a chain reaction.
05

Chain Reaction and Controlled Fission

The neutrons emitted during the fission process can be absorbed by other U-235 nuclei, inducing more fission events and creating a chain reaction. This chain reaction is the basis of nuclear power plants, where the energy released during fission is used to generate electricity. In order to control the chain reaction, control rods made of neutron-absorbing materials are used to regulate the number of available neutrons and prevent an uncontrolled chain reaction, which can lead to a nuclear meltdown.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

How is carbon- 14 used to determine the ages of wood, bones, and other artifacts?

After a fuel rod in a fission reactor reaches the end of its life cycle (typically 3 years), most of the energy that it produces comes from the fissioning of plutonium- \(239 .\) How can this be?

If the strong nuclear force had a longer range than it does, what effect (if any) would that have on efforts to harness controlled fusion as an energy source?

One-half of the nuclei of a given radioisotope decays during one half-life. Why doesn't the remaining half decay during the next half-life?

A mixture of two common isotopes of oxygen, oxygen-16 and oxygen-18, is put in a chamber that is then spun around at a very high speed. It is found that one isotope is more concentrated near the axis of rotation of the chamber and the other is more concentrated near the outer part of the chamber. Why is that, and which isotope is where?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Geometrical and Physical Optics

Read Explanation

Quantum Physics

Read Explanation

Kinematics Physics

Read Explanation

Medical Physics

Read Explanation

Scientific Method Physics

Read Explanation

Engineering Physics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.