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Why is U-235 used in nuclear power plants instead of smaller simpler radioisotopes?
Wiki User
∙ 6y ago
We see uranium-235 (U-235) used in nuclear power plants because it can capture thermal neutrons fairly readily, and it will usually fission releasing more neutrons to continue the nuclear chain reaction.
Wiki User
∙ 6y ago
Wiki User
∙ 6y agoAfter absorbing a neutron, U-235 will split into 2-3 smaller atoms - and emit 2-3 neutrons in the process. This makes it possible to continue the reaction.Most radioactive isotopes don't decay this way - though a certain isotope of thorium could also be used instead of U-235.
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What term is use to describe splitting a large atomic nucleus into smaller ones?
Nuclear fission is defined as splitting large nuclei into smaller ones.
A reaction in combining smaller atomic nuclei is?
nuclear fusion
Reactions involving the particles in the nucleus of an atom are called what?
Nuclear Fusion. This process involves 'fusing' together two smaller nuclei to form a bigger nucleus.
When a uranium nucleus breaks into fragments what type of nuclear reaction occurs?
In nuclear physics and nuclear chemistry, nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts (lighter nuclei), often producing free neutrons and photons (in the form of gamma rays).
What cannot be broken down into simpler components?
Time and Mass. All particles can be broken down into smaller particles endlessly.
What term is use to describe splitting a large atomic nucleus into smaller ones?
Nuclear fission is defined as splitting large nuclei into smaller ones.
The breakdown of large complex molecules into smaller simpler ones are?
Catabolism is the breakdown of larger, more complex molecules into smaller, simpler ones.Energy is released and some is trapped and made available for work.
What is a large carbon molecule that is built from smaller simpler molecules?
Polysaccharides
A reaction in combining smaller atomic nuclei is?
nuclear fusion
Are cells smaller and simpler than either tissues or organs?
cells make up tissues therefore you could safely assume that cells are simpler,
What is the splitting of an atoms nucleus into two smaller nuclei is called?
nuclear fission
Occurs when a large nucleus splits releasing energy and two smaller nuclei?
Nuclear fission.
Whet are the uses of fission?
Fission of uranium and plutonium is mainly used to produce electricity, but also smaller reactors are used to produce radioisotopes for medical and industrial use
Why foods need to be digested before cells can use it for energy?
it makes the molecules smaller and simpler
What is the reaction of nuclear fusion?
Nuclear fusion is the process of merging nuclei with smaller masses into a nucleus with a larger mass.
Why is fission called nuclear?
The process of nuclear fission involves splitting the nucleus of an atom into two smaller nuclei.
The splitting of an atom's nucleus into two smaller nuclei is called?
The splitting of an atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei is called nuclear fission.
