n+ 235U → 236U→ "Sr+ 144Xe + 2n (30.5) The 235U nucleus absorbs the neutron to become 236U, but 236U is so unstable that it immediately fragments-in this case into a 90Sr nucleus, a 144Xe nucleus, and two neutrons. The less massive "Sr and 144Xe nuclei are more tightly bound than the original 235U nucleus, so a great deal of energy is released in this reaction. As we’ve seen, nuclei with lower values of Z have relatively smaller numbers of neutrons, meaning there will be neutrons "left over" after the reaction. Equation 30.5 shows some free neutrons among the reaction products, but the two nuclear fragments have "extra" neutrons as well they have too many neutrons and will be unstable. This is generally true for the products of a fission reaction. The fact that the waste products of nuclear fission are radioactive has important consequences for the use of nuclear fission as a source of energy.
Nuclear Fusion
Nuclear fusion is a type of nuclear reaction. In nuclear fusion, two or more than two lighter atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. During this process, an enormous amount of energy is released. This energy is called nuclear energy. Nuclear fusion is the energy source of the sun and stars.
Fusion Bomb
A fusion bomb is also known as a thermonuclear bomb or hydrogen bomb which releases a large amount of explosive energy during a nuclear chain reaction when the lighter nuclei in it, combine to form heavier nuclei, and a large amount of radiation is released. It is an uncontrolled, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction where isotopes of hydrogen combine under very high temperature to form helium. They work on the principle of operation of atomic fusion. The isotopes of Hydrogen are deuterium and tritium, where they combine their masses and have greater mass than the product nuclei, get heated at high temperatures, and releases energy.
How much energy is released in the nuclear reaction as shown? If 1.0 kg of 235U were to undergo this reaction, how much energy would be released?
Trending now
This is a popular solution!
Step by step
Solved in 2 steps
