Textbook Question
Where does fusion occur naturally?
Ch.5 Nuclear Chemistry
Timberlake13th EditionChemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9780134421353
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Table of contents
- Ch.1 Chemistry in Our Lives11
- Ch.2 Chemistry and Measurements80
- Ch.3 Matter and Energy54
- Ch.4 Atoms and Elements51
- Ch.5 Nuclear Chemistry42
- Ch.6 Ionic and Molecular Compounds57
- Ch.7 Chemical Quantities and Reactions41
- Ch.8 Gases29
- Ch.9 Solutions51
- Ch.10 Acids and Bases and Equilibrium65
- Ch.11 Introduction to Organic Chemistry: Hydrocarbons78
- Ch.12 Alcohols, Thiols, Ethers, Aldehydes, and Ketones83
- Ch.13 Carbohydrates54
- Ch.14 Carboxylic Acids, Esters, Amines, and Amides90
- Ch.15 Lipids61
- Ch.16 Amino Acids, Proteins, and Enzymes84
- Ch.17 Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis83
- Ch.18 Metabolic Pathways and ATP Production67
Timberlake13th EditionChemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9780134421353Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 5, Problem 70a
What are the products in the fission of uranium-235 that make possible a nuclear chain reaction?
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of nuclear fission: Nuclear fission is a process in which a heavy nucleus, such as uranium-235, splits into smaller nuclei when it absorbs a neutron. This process releases a large amount of energy and additional neutrons, which can trigger further fission reactions in a chain reaction.
Identify the typical fission products: When uranium-235 undergoes fission, it splits into two smaller nuclei (fission fragments) and releases additional neutrons. The specific fission products can vary, but common examples include isotopes like barium-141 (Ba-141) and krypton-92 (Kr-92).
Write the nuclear equation for the fission reaction: The general form of the equation is:
This equation shows uranium-235 absorbing a neutron, splitting into barium-141 and krypton-92, and releasing three neutrons.
Explain the role of the released neutrons: The three neutrons released in the fission process can collide with other uranium-235 nuclei, causing additional fission reactions. This is the basis of a nuclear chain reaction, which can be controlled in a nuclear reactor or uncontrolled in a nuclear explosion.
Summarize the products: The products of uranium-235 fission include two smaller nuclei (fission fragments, such as barium-141 and krypton-92), additional neutrons, and a significant amount of energy. These products are essential for sustaining a nuclear chain reaction.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Nuclear Fission
Nuclear fission is the process by which a heavy atomic nucleus, such as uranium-235, splits into two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of energy and neutrons. This reaction is initiated when a nucleus absorbs a neutron, becoming unstable and breaking apart. The energy released during fission can be harnessed for power generation, while the emitted neutrons can trigger further fission events, leading to a chain reaction.
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Chain Reaction
A chain reaction occurs when the products of a nuclear fission event, particularly the released neutrons, induce additional fission events in nearby nuclei. In the case of uranium-235, each fission can release 2-3 neutrons, which can then collide with other uranium-235 nuclei, perpetuating the reaction. For a sustained chain reaction, a critical mass of fissile material is required to ensure that enough neutrons are available to continue the process.
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Fission Products
Fission products are the smaller nuclei formed when a heavy nucleus like uranium-235 undergoes fission. These products typically include isotopes of elements such as barium, krypton, and strontium, along with additional neutrons. Some of these fission products are radioactive and can contribute to the energy output of the reaction, while others can absorb neutrons and potentially inhibit the chain reaction if not managed properly.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Complete each of the following nuclear equations:
d. 23m12Mg → ? + 00γ
Textbook Question
Write the balanced nuclear equation for each of the following:
a. When two oxygen-16 atoms collide, one of the products is an alpha particle.
Textbook Question
Write the balanced nuclear equation for each of the following:
a. Polonium-210 decays to give lead-206.
Textbook Question
All the elements beyond uranium, the transuranium elements, have been prepared by bombardment and are not naturally occurring elements. The first transuranium element neptunium, Np, was prepared by bombarding U-238 with neutrons to form a neptunium atom and a beta particle. Complete the following equation:
10n + 23892U →? + ?
Textbook Question
The half-life for the radioactive decay of Ce-141 is 32.5 days. If a sample has an activity of 4.0 µCi after 130 days have elapsed, what was the initial activity, in microcuries, of the sample?