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Why is it easier to split a Uranium 235 nucleus using neutrons than using alpha particles?
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
they wont be repelled by the electromagnetic fields of the electron shell or the nucleus
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoAlpha particle is positively charged and so they would get repelled by the charge of uranium nucleus. But neutron is neutral and so it can easily pass through the nucleus.
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What causes nuclear reactions?
an atom has a part called nucleus which can be split apart.When this is done a tremedous amount of energy is released.The energy is both heat and light if this is energy is let out slowly then it can be harnessed to make electricity if it is let out all at once it will cause nuclar energy bdgrejdxhjhtm
Why is it easier to clap your hands in air than under water?
It Is Easier To Clap Your Hands In Air Then In Water Because There Is Alot Of Space Between The Particles. Very Less Particles In The Given Space And Farapart That's Why It Is Easier
What is a meson exchange?
The Strong Nuclear Force (also referred to as the strong force) is one of the four basic forces in nature (the others being gravity, the electromagnetic force, and the weak nuclear force). As its name implies, it is the strongest of the four. However, it also has the shortest range, meaning that particles must be extremely close before its effects are felt. Its main job is to hold together the subatomic particles of the nucleus (protons, which carry a positive charge, and neutrons, which carry no charge. These particles are collectively called nucleons). As most people learn in their science education, like charges repel (+ +, or - -), and unlike charges attract (+ -).If you consider that the nucleus of all atoms except hydrogen contain more than one proton, and each proton carries a positive charge, then why would the nuclei of these atoms stay together? The protons must feel a repulsive force from the other neighboring protons. This is where the strong nuclear force comes in. The strong nuclear force is created between nucleons by the exchange of particles called mesons. This exchange can be likened to constantly hitting a ping-pong ball or a tennis ball back and forth between two people. As long as this meson exchange can happen, the strong force is able to hold the participating nucleons together. The nucleons must be extremely close together in order for this exchange to happen. The distance required is about the diameter of a proton or a neutron. If a proton or neutron can get closer than this distance to another nucleon, the exchange of mesons can occur, and the particles will stick to each other. If they can't get that close, the strong force is too weak to make them stick together, and other competing forces (usually the electromagnetic force) can influence the particles to move apart. This is represented in the following graphic. The dotted line surrounding the nucleon being approached represents any electrostatic repulsion that might be present due to the charges of the nucleons/particles that are involved. A particle must be able to cross this barrier in order for the strong force to "glue" the particles together.In the case of approaching protons/nuclei, the closer they get, the more they feel the repulsion from the other proton/nucleus (the electromagnetic force). As a result, in order to get two protons/nuclei close enough to begin exchanging mesons, they must be moving extremely fast (which means the temperature must be really high), and/or they must be under immense pressure so that they are forced to get close enough to allow the exchange of meson to create the strong force. Now, back to the nucleus. One thing that helps reduce the repulsion between protons within a nucleus is the presence of any neutrons. Since they have no charge they don't add to the repulsion already present, and they help separate the protons from each other so they don't feel as strong a repulsive force from any other nearby protons. Also, the neutrons are a source of more strong force for the nucleus since they participate in the meson exchange. These factors, coupled with the tight packing of protons in the nucleus so that they can exchange mesons creates enough strong force to overcome their mutual repulsion and force the nucleons to stay bound together. The preceding explanation shows the reason why it is easier to bombard a nucleus with neutrons than with protons. Since the neutrons have no charge, as they approach a positively charged nucleus they will not feel any repulsion. They therefore can easily "break" the electrostatic repulsion barrier to being exchanging mesons with the nucleus, thus becoming incorporated into it.
What has a higher density liquids or gases?
If you think of density in terms of particles this becomes easier to remember. In which would the particles be closer together? A liquid, so the liquid is denser.
Can you squash gas?
Yes you can squash gas because it has a low density and it is easier as the particles aren't as strong bonded as a solid.
Why is it easier to hit a nucleus with a neutron rather than an alpha particle?
Neutrons are uncharged; alpha particles have a charge of +2. That means that while there is no electrostatic repulsion between the nucleus and the neutron, the alpha particle is repelled by the (also positively charged) nucleus.
What particles are easier to add to and remove from an atom?
In normal chemical reactions, electrons are easier to add or remove from an atom. Protons and neutrons are never added or removed in normal chemical reactions. Only nuclear reactions can change the numbers of protons and neutrons, such as radioactive decay. However, even then the protons and neutrons are not added or removed in the way that electrons are.
Why the electron is most likely to be lost or gained by atom?
An atom is made up of 3 items: electrons which are negatively charged, protons which are positively charged, and neutrons which carry no charge. The protons and neutrons are closely grouped together in the nucleus of the atom. The electrons are in orbit around the nucleus in a similar manner as the planets orbit the sun. In this configuration it is much easier to lose or gain electrons than protons or neutrons.
What particle builds an electric charge when it is transferred from one object to another?
Electrons, they actually have an electric charge (like protons, but not neutrons), plus they are lighter and spin around the nucleus in the outer shell. This makes it easier to transfer to other atoms.
What causes nuclear reactions?
an atom has a part called nucleus which can be split apart.When this is done a tremedous amount of energy is released.The energy is both heat and light if this is energy is let out slowly then it can be harnessed to make electricity if it is let out all at once it will cause nuclar energy bdgrejdxhjhtm
Why are only uranium and plutonium used in nuclear reactors?
Because these are the only two elements (isotopes: Uranium 235, plutonium 239 and plutonium 241, fissile with thermal neutrons) that have fissile isotopes which can sustain a chain reaction in conjunction with a moderator, that is in a so called thermal reactor like PWR or BWR. Uranium 238 is fissile with fast neutrons though it will not sustain a chain reaction by itself, and would only be a significant source of power in a fast reactor. In a thermal reactor it captures neutrons and forms Pu-239 which then does add to the reactor's fissile fuel. Some other transuranic elements have fissile isotopes but they are not used as it is much easier and cheaper to use uranium produced from uranium ore. Also thorium can be used in nuclear reactors as a fertile isotope.
Why is it easier to clap your hands in air than under water?
It Is Easier To Clap Your Hands In Air Then In Water Because There Is Alot Of Space Between The Particles. Very Less Particles In The Given Space And Farapart That's Why It Is Easier
Is it easier to lose electrons when the valence electrons are far from the nucleus?
Yes, it is true.
Is it easier to move an electron from the outer energy level than from one closer to the nucleus?
nope.
Is it easier to remove an electron from the outer energy level than one closer to the nucleus?
Yes
How does grinding sugar increase the dissolving rate?
It is easier to dissolve small particles then great particles; a high surface area improve the rate of dissolution.
How do you know what isotope has a higher abundance?
You need to know the mass number of the isotope, which is equal to the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Whichever isotope has the highest mass number is heaviest. It really is just that simple. Let's look at a couple of examples.If we compare the isotopes carbon-12 and carbon-14, we'll find both have 6 protons in their nuclei. They must if they are carbon. But there are 6 neutrons in the nucleus of C-12, and 8 neutrons in the nucleus of C-14. The C-14 isotope has a greater mass. When we look at uranium-238 and uranium-235, the U-238 has more mass. Both isotopes have the characteristic 92 protons, but there are 146 neutrons in the U-238, and there are only 143 neutrons in the U-235. If you've figured out that the specific number associated with a given isotope is the number of protons plus the number of neutrons in its nucleus, you are absolutely correct. That's where the number comes from.See the Related Questions for more information.
