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Each isotope has a different critical mass. U235 is used because the mass needed to cause a reaction is smaller than almost all other isotopes. This critical mass is calculated as( 3.001 x 9.987 to the 11th power) Divided by the weight of one nuclei X 2.5675 (x 10 to the 24th power) divided by mass. This equals 7.702 X 10 to the 13th power divided by mass. You can tell by this calculation that critical mass for u235 is very low at about 1.3 kg.
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Bruce
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoUranium-238 does not have a critical mass. You can stack up as much as you like and it will not go critical. It is its "little brother" that we know as U-235 that is fissile.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoWiki User
∙ 12y agoapprox. 15 kg.
Wiki User
∙ 16y agoAbout 50kg
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Where can the most mass be found in an atom?
Essentially all of the atom's mass is in the nucleus. In the lightest atom, that of hydrogen, it's about 99.95 percent. In the heaviest naturally occurring atom, that of Uranium238, it's about 99.979 percent.
What is caused when critical mass is reached?
a chain reaction
The most effective shape for achieving critical mass is a?
sphere
What is the most effective shape for achieving critical mass?
A sphere
Critical mass depends on what?
The Purity && The Shape AND size density
Decaying unstable element?
Uranium238
Where can the most mass be found in an atom?
Essentially all of the atom's mass is in the nucleus. In the lightest atom, that of hydrogen, it's about 99.95 percent. In the heaviest naturally occurring atom, that of Uranium238, it's about 99.979 percent.
What is the amount of fissionable material required to continue a reaction at a constant rate?
At less than critical mass, there are fewer "targets" for neutrons to strike, fission, and release more neutrons. As a result, the reaction dies out.
When was Critical Mass - Catholic rock - created?
Critical Mass - Catholic rock - was created in 1996.
When was Critical Mass - Threshold album - created?
Critical Mass - Threshold album - was created on 2002-09-02.
Do nuclear reactors have critical mass?
We know that critical mass can be achieved in a nuclear reactor. If it could not, we'd not be able to get a chain reaction and generate heat to generate power. Reactors don't have critical mass when the control rods are in, but pull the rods, start the reactor up and away you go!
What is upper sub-critical limit for U235 mass?
The critical mass depends on the shape; I don't think there is an upper limit to that.For the case of a sphere, the critical mass for U-235 is 52 kg. The corresponding diameter of the sphere is 17 cm.
What is critical mass according to wolverine?
kingpen
What are the ratings and certificates for Critical Mass - 2001?
Critical Mass - 2001 is rated/received certificates of: Australia:M Germany:16 New Zealand:M USA:R
What is critical mass Spider-Man?
Critical Mass is a mutant in the video game Spider Man and the Web of Shadows. He grills Spider Man with questions about his past.
What is caused when critical mass is reached?
a chain reaction
What is not a factor in determining critical mass is?
The age of the material.
