Fission and Fusion

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The nucleus changes from being uranium-235 to uranium-236 as it has captured a neutron.

The Fission Process

Slide 13

The uranium-236 nucleus formed is very unstable.

The Fission Process

It transforms into an elongated shape for a short time.

Slide 14

The uranium-236 nucleus formed is very unstable.

The Fission Process

It transforms into an elongated shape for a short time.

Slide 15

The uranium-236 nucleus formed is very unstable.

The Fission Process

It transforms into an elongated shape for a short time.

Slide 16

It then splits into 2 fission fragments and releases neutrons.

The Fission Process

Slide 17

It then splits into 2 fission fragments and releases neutrons.

The Fission Process

Slide 18

It then splits into 2 fission fragments and releases neutrons.

The Fission Process

Slide 19

It then splits into 2 fission fragments and releases neutrons.

The Fission Process

Slide 20

Nuclear Fission Examples

Slide 21

Energy from Fission

Both the fission fragments and neutrons travel at high speed.

The kinetic energy of the products of fission are far greater than that of the bombarding neutron and target atom.

EK before fission << EK after fission

Energy is being released as a result of the fission reaction.

Slide 22

Energy from Fission

Slide 23

Energy from Fission

Calculate the total mass before and after fission takes place.

The total mass before fission (LHS of the equation):

The total mass after fission (RHS of the equation):

3.9014 x 10-25 + 1.6750 x 10-27 = 3.91815 x 10-25 kg

2.2895 x 10-25 + 1.5925 x 10-25 + (2 x 1.6750 x 10-27) = 3.9155 x 10-25 kg

Slide 24

Energy from Fission

The total mass before fission =

The total mass after fission =

3.91815 x 10-25 kg

3.91550 x 10-25 kg

total mass before fission > total mass after fission