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How is the chain reaction in a nuclear reactor different from one in an atomic bomb?
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
In a reactor it is controlled and stays at a constant rate. In a bomb it is uncontrolled and rises exponentially until the bomb explodes, terminating it.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
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A reaction in combining smaller atomic nuclei is?
nuclear fusion
Which type of nuclear reaction is used in atomic bombs?
fission and in some fusion
What is neutron absorption?
Neutron absorption is the process wherein an atomic nucleus will absorb a neutron. Many different atomic nuclei will do this, and different nuclei will present a larger of smaller target for the neutron, as you might have guessed. This is the neutron absorption cross section for the material, and it varies as the material does and as the kinetic energy of the neutron does, as well. You may have figured out that there are many different resulting products or outcomes that can be seen from neutron absorption. It is neutron absorption that powers up a chain reaction, so let's look at that aspect of this phenomenon. In a nuclear reactor, some spontaneous fissions will release neutrons, and these neutrons will, if the control rods are pulled out sufficiently, begin a chain reaction. The nuclear fuel, usually either uranium or plutonium, will absorb a neutron (after some slowing down of that neutron), and they'll fission as a result. These fissions will release more neutrons, which will be absorbed and will create more fissions, which will release more neutrons, etc. A neutron released from a fission event will have a high kinetic energy; it will be moving very quickly. It might be absorbed, but will have a higher probability of being absorbed if it is slowed down, or thermalized. The moderator in a reactor, usually water, does this slowing down of the neutrons. The slower neutrons have a much higher probability of being absorbed and continuing the chain. Fission by neutron absorption is the mechanism by which a nuclear chain reaction is maintained in a nuclear reactor.
What is an alternate energy source produced from atomic reaction?
Nuclear fission is when a neutron is fired at an element with a high atomic number, which splits and releases more neutrons and energy as a result. Nuclear fusion occurs in stars and experimental reactors.
What are neutron-rich nuclei?
Neutron-rich nuclei could be said to be atomic nuclei that have a large number of neutrons. The term, however, is generally used in conjunction with the physics of nuclear fission, or the nuclear chain reaction. Fission relies on the production of neutrons to build or maintain the chain reaction (depending on the application - reactor or bomb). Neutrons are let loose in nuclear fission. But if some other materials can be included in the construction of the fission device so that they, too, contribute neutrons to help build the chain, then that would be helpful. (That's what the German heavy water project was all about.) Generally, neutron-rich nuclei are atomic nuclei that can contribute, can add to, the number of neutrons available to support a chain reaction.
How is heat released during an atomic reaction used to produce electricity in a nuclear reactor?
gfytu
The nuclear engine?
An atomic reactor.
What is the difference between the nuclear reactions in a nuclear reactor and those in an atomic bomb?
Nuclear reactions in a nuclear reactor are controlled reactions. The reactions in the atomic bomb are not controlled reactions
Where was a nuclear reaction created that led the creation of the atomic bomb in world war 2?
The first sustained nuclear chain reaction was in the CP-1 reactor in Chicago, IL.The X-10 reactor in Oak Ridge, TN was used to develop plutonium production reactor technology.Three reactors at Hanford, WA beginning with B reactor produced the plutonium.
Was the knowledge from atom bomb used to make a nuclear reactor?
No, Enrico Fermi constructed and operated the first nuclear reactor (CP-1) in 1942. Several larger nuclear reactors were needed first to make the plutonium for the MK-3 Fatman atomic bomb, which was not tested until 1945. Their principles of operation are quite different, except that both operate by nuclear chain reaction.
Inventor of atomic reactor?
The first inventor of a nuclear reactor was Enrico Fermi. Refer to link below.
What inventions did Lloyd quarterman invent?
the atomic bomb and the nuclear reactor
Is it true that nuclear radiation comes from the decay of atomic nuclei?
Yes, the decay of unstable atomic nuclei is the source of nuclear radiation.
What is needed to produce nuclear energy?
The nuclear fuel either loaded in adedicatednuclear reactor or in an atomic bomb
What is an atomic pile?
An atomic pile is an early form of nuclear reactor fuelled by uranium and moderated with graphite.
Inventions of Enrico Fermi?
He created the first atomic bomb and nuclear reactor.
Is nuclear an atomic fuel?
Fuel used in a nuclear reactor is uranium, the active isotope is uranium 235 which is fissile.
