PHYS 1010 Chapter Notes - Chapter 34: Nuclear Reactor, Nuclear Weapon, Uranium-235
10 Dec 2016
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When the nucleus separates as it is stretched due to electrical forces overpowering attractive nuclear forces. Can create many different combinations of a smaller nuclei. Neutrons make good nuclear bullets and can cause fission. A self-sustaining reaction in which the products of one reaction event stimulate further reaction events. Energy of fission is mainly in the form of kinetic energy of the flying fission fragments. Causes extra neutrons to be liberated to cause more fission. The minimal mass of fissionable material in a reactor or nuclear bomb that will sustain a chain reaction. 20% of the us"s electrical energy is produced by fission reactors. Makes a chain reaction possible in normal uranium. Slows down neutrons so that when they are released they are captured by a u. Absorb more neutrons when they are pushed into the reactor and fewer when they are pulled out and control the number of neutrons that participate in the chain reaction.
