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Each atom, when split, releases one or more neutrons. Those neutrons go on to destabilize and split other atoms. This is the "chain reaction" we talk about. The multiplication factor, known as Keffective represents the rate of increase in reactivity. If Keffective is 1, then, on average, one atom's split results in one neutron that splits one atom.
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What energy source is used for nuclear fuel rods?
uranium. When water is heated, it causes a chain reaction that turns the uranium to plutonium.
Critical mass is the of material required to produce a chain reaction?
minimum amount
Why does a chain reaction not occur in uranium mines?
Mainly because only about 0.7% of uranium is the isotope uranium-235, which is easily fissionable. It is believed that in Earth's remote past, there were such chain reactions - natural reactors - at a time when the percentage of U-235 was higher.
What term describes the reaction process in a fission reaction?
another name for nuclear fission is: E=MC squared
Why is it that uranium ore does not spontaneously undergo a chain reaction?
Uranium ore contains only a small percentage of uranium for one thing, but also natural uranium contains only 0.7 percent U235. Even pure natural uranium will not cause a chain reaction unless it is surrounded by a moderator such as pure graphite or heavy water. Ordinary water will not allow this to happen.
What energy source is used for nuclear fuel rods?
uranium. When water is heated, it causes a chain reaction that turns the uranium to plutonium.
Chain reaction results when a uranium atom is struck by?
Thermal neutrons
Critical mass is the of material required to produce a chain reaction?
minimum amount
Why does a chain reaction not occur in uranium mines?
Mainly because only about 0.7% of uranium is the isotope uranium-235, which is easily fissionable. It is believed that in Earth's remote past, there were such chain reactions - natural reactors - at a time when the percentage of U-235 was higher.
What term describes the reaction process in a fission reaction?
another name for nuclear fission is: E=MC squared
What do fission of uranium produce?
Uranium fission creates a chain reaction that initiates a chain reaction that grows exponentially into a massive conversion of the potential energy inside the uranium atom into kinetic energy in the form of an explosion - a nuclear explosion. These are the bombs that ended WW2. Today we can split H atoms, which release significantly more energy.
Is a chain reaction more likely in two separate pieces of uranium or in the 2 combined?
Depending on the total mass of uranium and the enrichment, geometry, purity, etc.
Why is it that uranium ore does not spontaneously undergo a chain reaction?
Uranium ore contains only a small percentage of uranium for one thing, but also natural uranium contains only 0.7 percent U235. Even pure natural uranium will not cause a chain reaction unless it is surrounded by a moderator such as pure graphite or heavy water. Ordinary water will not allow this to happen.
Is a chain reaction more likely in two separate pieces of uranium or in the same pieces stuck together?
separate ------- Depending on the total mass of uranium, purity of uranium, physical form, enrichment, geometry, etc.
What nucealer bombs are made of?
Basically, nuclear weapons are made from uranium or plutonium material and hydrogen as a chain reaction nucleus.
Why is a chain reaction more likely in a big pieces of uranium than its in a small piece?
A small piece has more surface area compared to its mass; as a result, more neutrons will escape before they can participate in the chain reaction.
How is nuclear fission like a chain reaction?
One large nucleus, typically uranium, undergoes fission and releases several neutrons along with the major fission products. These neutrons strike more uranium atoms and are absorbed by the nucleus causing it to become unstable. It undergoes fission releasing more neutrons and more fission products. These neutrons strike more uranium atoms etc.
