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Uranium produces so much energy because the strong force is the most powerful force, on the subatomic scale, in the universe.
This is a simplified explanation...
The strong force holds quarks together to form protons and neutrons. At this distance, it is 100 times more powerful than the electromagnetic force which would tend to cause like charged particles to repel each other.
Leftover from the strong force that forms protons and neutrons is the residual binding energy that holds protons and neutrons together within the atomic nucleus. The residual binding energy, also known as the nuclear force, is somewhat less than 100 times the electromagnetic force. However, at distances greater than a proton or neutron, it starts to weaken and be in competition with the electromagnetic force, causing instability in nuclei that are heavier than lead. This instability, however, is not really applicable to the question and its answer, other than to say that it causes radioactive instability, so I will leave it at that.
What is essential to understand, for this question, is that there is an energy to nucleon curve that basically states how much energy is required to hold a nucleon in a certain state. This curve starts off low with hydrogen-1, and increases with Atomic Mass, up to a peak value around iron-56, and then gradually decreases up through and beyond uranium. There is a peak at helium-4, and then a step change down, followed by a return to the increasing energy through iron but, again, that is not applicable to this question, so I will leave it alone as well.
As a result of this curve, which is decreasing by the time we reach uranium, if you were to fission (split) a uranium atom into two parts, the binding energy required to sustain that configuration would be less than the original energy required to sustain the original uranium.
This excess energy, also known as a mass deficit, is released when fission of heavy nucleons occurs. That is where the fission of uranium produces so much energy.
For a picture of the energy curve, please see the Related Link below.
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∙ 12y ago
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoUranium-235 is able to support a nuclear fission with thermal neutrons. The enormous energy released by the nuclear fission can be converted in electricity and heat in nuclear power plants.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoYou create an unstable nucleus by firing an extra nucleon at it, then it breaks down into 2 smaller nuclei. Then they hit other nuclei, which hit other nuclei and everything just goes whammy.
Wiki User
∙ 10y agothrough a process called a fission chain reaction
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoIn order to make energy from uranium you have to split the atoms in the element.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoThe nuclear fission of uranium release a formidable quantity of energy.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoThe spliting of it.
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What is the difference between an atom of carbon and atom of uranium?
The usual Carbon-12 is not radioactive. Uranium is radioactive. Radioactive means that the atom splits and spits out some energy or matter (with matter, the atom changes to another atom). Luckily, all the atoms don't split at once.
How many protons are in the nucleus of an atom of Uranium - 238?
Uranium atoms (no matter which isotope) ALL have the same number of protons 92. it is in the umber of neutrons that changes between the isotopes.
What part of the atom is able to be lost or gained?
the energy is require to remove an electron from an atom (ionization energy) but when electron is absorbed in an atom energy is released (electron affinity) however 2nd electron affinity is endothermic ,energy is require.
Why is it easier to lose electrons from a cesium atom than from a lithium atom?
It all has to due with ionization energy. Ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom to make it an ion. Cesium has a lower ionization energy than Lithium, so it is easier to remove electrons, and thus lose electrons, from a Cesium atom than a Lithium atom.
Is uranium poison?
Yes, uranium and all the compounds of uranium are toxic and radioactive.Yes, uranium is toxic and radioactive.
What is the difference between an atom of carbon and atom of uranium?
The usual Carbon-12 is not radioactive. Uranium is radioactive. Radioactive means that the atom splits and spits out some energy or matter (with matter, the atom changes to another atom). Luckily, all the atoms don't split at once.
What has uranium?
Similar to all other chemical elements the uranium atom has protons, neutrons and electrons; uranium is also unstable and radioactive.
How is energy released during a reaction?
We get energy from nuclear power plants off steam which is created with massive amounts of heat. This heat comes from uranium pellets. These uranium pellets have a high proton and neutron Atomic Mass. All we have to do is inject one proton or neutron onto the atom and it not only rejects it but also all its protons neutron and electrons. then the first atom's protons touch another atom this keep the cycle going. all this moving of particles make a lot of heat and this make steam to power turbines and get us energy.
What has uranium in it?
Similar to all other chemical elements the uranium atom has protons, neutrons and electrons; uranium is also unstable and radioactive. Potters use uranium in their gaze to get a rich yellow colour.
What contains uranium and arsenic?
All the elements contain in the atom neutrons, protons and electrons.
What is the charge for uranium?
Protons = 92 Electrons = 92 Neutrons = 146 The number of electrons and protons in a neutral atom are each equal to the atomic number of the element (92). The number of neutrons equals the atomic weight minus the number of protons (238 - 92 = 146).
What do coal sunlight uranium have in common?
All release energy.
What do coal sunlight and uranium have in common?
All can release energy.
How is the energy stored in uranium?
Uranium-235 has the property of undergoing fission (splitting) when it absorbs another neutron, and this fission releases energy in the form of heat. Energy cannot be put back into the uranium, it is a one-way process which destroys the uranium nucleus and forms other lighter elements.
What is the nucleur energy?
Nuclear energy is the energy released by changes in the nucleus of a material such as uranium. In the case of uranium 235, the nucleus can be fissioned or split by capture of a neutron, and further neutrons are released in the process. By careful arrangement of the uranium pieces, this can be built up so that a self-sustaining chain reaction proceeds. Each fission releases a certain amount of energy in the form of heat, which can then be used to produce electric power. This is the basis of all power producing nuclear reactorsNuclear energy is the energy resulting from:Radioactive decayNuclear fissionNuclear fusion
What is the source of all energy?
the source of all energy is an atom
Is nuclear a source of energy that doesn't release carbon dioxide?
Yes, nuclear energy does not produce CO2 by-products. No by-products are released into the atmosphere, all are contained within the reactor. The energy comes from a neutron colliding with a uranium atom causing it to split into two different atoms.
