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Chapter 11: Problem 20

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

Short Answer

Expert verified
- The main process observed in heavy nuclei like uranium-235 is nuclear fission. 2) How is fission induced in a uranium-235 nucleus? - Fission is induced in a uranium-235 nucleus by bombarding it with a neutron, which adds energy to the nucleus and makes it unstable. 3) What happens to the uranium-235 nucleus after absorbing a neutron? - After absorbing a neutron, the uranium-235 nucleus becomes uranium-236, which is unstable and undergoes nuclear fission. 4) What are the products of uranium-235 fission? - The products of uranium-235 fission are two or more smaller nuclei called fission fragments, a few free neutrons, and a large amount of energy in the form of kinetic energy and gamma radiation. 5) How can the neutrons produced during fission lead to a chain reaction? - The neutrons produced during fission can go on to induce fission in other uranium-235 nuclei, creating a chain reaction that releases a large amount of energy.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Nuclear Fission

Nuclear fission is a process in which an atomic nucleus splits into two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of a large amount of energy. This process is mainly observed in heavy nuclei like uranium-235. In order to induce fission in a nucleus, we must supply it with enough energy to overcome the binding forces that keep the nucleus together. This is usually done by bombarding the nucleus with a neutron.
02

Explain the Induction of Fission in Uranium-235

To induce fission in a uranium-235 nucleus, it needs to absorb a neutron. This neutron adds energy to the nucleus, making it unstable. The uranium-235 nucleus then becomes uranium-236 (U-236) due to the addition of the extra neutron.
03

Describe the Fission Process in Uranium-236

Once the uranium-235 nucleus has absorbed the neutron and become uranium-236, the nucleus is now unstable and starts to deform. As it deforms, it forms two smaller, separate lobes. The electrostatic repulsive forces between these lobes overcome the binding forces, pushing the split parts away from each other and causing the nucleus to split into two or more smaller nuclei. This process is called nuclear fission.
04

Identify the Products of the Fission

The fission of uranium-235 produces two or more smaller nuclei called fission fragments, along with a few free neutrons. The exact product nuclei can vary, but commonly include isotopes such as krypton-93, barium-144, or other similar nuclei. The fission also releases a large amount of energy in the form of kinetic energy of the fission fragments, as well as gamma radiation.
05

Explain the Role of Neutrons in a Chain Reaction

The neutrons produced during the fission of uranium-235 can go on to induce fission in other uranium-235 nuclei. This creates a chain reaction that, under the right conditions, can lead to the release of a large amount of energy in a short period. This energy is the basis for nuclear power generation and atomic bombs.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Explain how materials that absorb neutrons are used to control nuclear fission chain reactions.

Explain the concept of half-life.

The atomic number of one particular isotope is equal to its mass number. Which isotope is it?

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

A concrete wall in a building is found to contain a radioactive isotope that emits alpha radiation. What could be done to protect people from the radiation (short of razing the building)? What if it were gamma radiation that was being emitted?
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