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Why were the elements uranium and plutonium used in the atomic bombs of the Manhattan Project?
Answer: U235 and Pu239 are fissionable Uranium 235 and Plutonium 239 are both fissionable isotopes. This means that they undergo fission when they absorb a neutron, splitting into two lighter elements and releasing enormousl amounts of energy (as well as spitting out some neutrons - which can sustain a chain reaction if conditions are right). U-235 is obtained by separation from nautural uranium which contain only 0.07% U-235. Pu-239 is obtained from a nuclear reactor whereby U238 (the major isotope of natural uranium) adds a neutron to its nucleus and undergoes a transformation to neptunium-239 which splits off to become Pu-239.
What else can I help you with?
Where does uranium and plutonium come from?
Uranium and plutonium are naturally occurring elements found in the Earth's crust. They are formed through processes like nuclear decay of other radioactive elements or through supernova explosions. Both uranium and plutonium are used as fuel in nuclear reactors and in the production of nuclear weapons.
What elements are used in a nuclear reaction?
In a nuclear reaction, typically isotopes of elements such as uranium, thorium, or plutonium are used as fuel. These isotopes undergo processes like fission or fusion to release energy. Other elements such as moderators or control rods may also be used to control the reaction.
Is plutonium the result of of the alpha decay of uranium?
Yes, plutonium is typically formed as a result of the alpha decay of uranium in nuclear reactors or in nuclear weapons. It can also be produced artificially in nuclear reactors by bombarding uranium-238 with neutrons.
To what does plutonium-239 decay when it loses an alpha particle?
Yes, plutonium-239 emits alpha particles by decay.
What was the atomic bomb in the Manhattan project?
The atomic bomb developed in the Manhattan Project was a powerful nuclear weapon that harnessed the energy released by splitting atoms through a process called nuclear fission. The bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, in 1945, known as "Little Boy," used uranium-235, while the bomb dropped on Nagasaki, known as "Fat Man," used plutonium-239. These bombs caused immense destruction and casualties, leading to the end of World War II.
How did they made the bomb in 1945?
The nuclear weapons were developed in the Manhattan Project. The development took years of research and work to learn how to produce Uranium 235 and Plutonium, and how to fabricate them into a bomb. The Uranium bomb, known as Little Boy, used a gun system to fire a plug of uranium into a larger target of uranium. The Plutonium bomb, known as Fat Man, was a round ball of plutonium that was crushed by explosive charges. The link below will take you to an article on the Manhattan Project.
What percentage of electricity did the Manhattan project consume?
The Manhattan Project consumed about 10% of the electricity generated in the United States during its peak in 1945. This was due to the massive uranium enrichment and plutonium production facilities required for the project.
Why was plutonium used in Fat Man?
There are two materials that can be used to make an atomic bomb: Plutonium-239 and uranium-235. Of the two plutonium-239 is easier to acquire. By the end of the Manhattan Project the U.S. only had enough uranium-235 to make one bomb, and that was Little Boy.
What elements were used to make plutonium?
The isotope uranium-238 is the source of plutonium.
What 2 radioactive elements were chosen for the atomic bomb?
Uranium-235 and plutonium-239 were the two radioactive elements chosen for the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
What did the Manhattan project accomplished?
The Manhattan Project not only built the bombs that ended the war and saved millions of lives it helped scientists learn to harvest plutonium, uranium and to harness its power so they could eventually make nuclear powered ships and reactors for power.
When was the Manhattan bomb dropped?
It was actually the atom bomb from the Manhattan project. It was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan on August 6, 1945 (that one was a uranium bomb) And dropped on Nagasaki, Japan on August 9, 1945 (a stronger plutonium bomb)
Similarties between uranium-235 and plutonium-239 in nuclear reactors?
Uranium 235 and Plutonium 239 are fissile elements, fissionable with thermal neutrons.
What elements are used to provide nuclear energy?
Mostly uranium. Plutonium can also be used, often a mixture of uranium and plutonium oxides (MOX) is used.
Is uranium or plutonium used as fuel in a nuclear reactor?
Though both enriched uranium and plutonium can be used, the most common in enriched Uranium-235. The waste that comes from the reaction is a mix of elements (uranium, plutonium, etc) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_power
What elements are found in nuclear fuels?
Uranium, sometimes plutonium, oxygen
What are vthe elements that are named after the palanets?
Mercury, Uranium, Neptunium, Plutonium.
