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Fission occurs when atomic nuclei split into smaller nuclei, releasing energy in the process.
This can occur naturally, for example, Uranium spontaneously decays at a slow rate.
Fission can also be induced by firing subatomic particles at fissionable atoms.
Click here to view "Fission video".
As shown in the video, if a neutron is captured by the nucleus,
the nucleus becomes unstable and splits.
If the neutrons formed encounter other fissionable nuclei,
they will also split resulting in a sustainable nuclear reaction known as a chain reaction.
Chain reactions are controlled in a nuclear reactor, but not in a nuclear bomb.
U-235 are Pu-239 are two of the few elements that can undergo induced fission.
Follow the directions below to answer the following questions.
1. Drag the bottom of this window so that it occupies only one-third of the computer screen.
2. Click here to view "Nuclear Fission" simulation.
3. Run the simulation when it opens in a new window.
4. When the nuclear fission simulation has loaded, grab the corner and reduce the size to fit below this page.
5. This will allow you to access the simulation and answer questions here simultaneously.
6. Select "Fission: One Nucleus" and answer the following questions:
Click here to view
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<strong>Nuclear Chemistry: Day 2 </strong>
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An Introduction to Fusion and Fission
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Fission
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Click "Reset Nucleus" and the play button, which is located at the
bottom of the simulation. Before you fire the gun, does U-235 seem to be
stable? Explain.
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Fire the gun. What type of particle is released?
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Immediately after the particle hits the nucleus, what is the new label
on the nucleus? Explain the label.
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Describe what happens next to the nucleus, including the type and number
of particles produced.
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Select the "Chain Reaction" tab. To the right of the simulation you will
see a legend. What forms of uranium are represented? How are the types
similar and different.
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Below the legend, you will see "Controls". Scroll down so you can adjust
the number of U-235 and U-238 atoms on the screen. Start with a single
U-235 atom. Fire the gun and describe what happens. This should look
very familiar. <strong>NOTE: You can aim the gun! </strong>
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Reset the nucleus and place a single U-238 atom in the container. Fire
the gun and record what happens.
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Which of the two forms of uranium you started with would work as a fuel
for a nuclear reactor? Justify your answer.
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Before making any other changes, describe what you predict would happen
if you had many U-235 atoms in the container and fired a neutron at one
of them.
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Now add many U-235 atoms to the container and fire a neutron. Compare
your prediction to the results.
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In uranium deposits in the Earth's crust, about 0.7%, close to 1%,
occurs as U-235 while the majority of the remaining ore occurs as U-238.
Place a single U-235 in the container and add 99 U-238 atoms. Can
naturally derived uranium start a chain reaction? Explain.
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Use the simulation to to find the minimum ratio of U-235 to U-238 that
starts a chain reaction. Keep a total of 100 atoms. Record that minimum
here.
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Increasing the ratio of U-235 to U-238 is known as "enrichment".
"Weapons-grade" enriched uranium is about 80-90% U-235. How does this
compare to your result from the previous question?
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Explain why a nuclear weapon would contain a significantly higher ratio
of U-235 than would fuel for a nuclear power plant.
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Select the "Nuclear Reactor" tab. What is needed to start the nuclear
reactor?
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What is the purpose of the control rods? Be specific! Without the
control rods in position, what happens?
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Fission Reactors
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<img src="nuclear-power-plants.gif">
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Using the two models above and your response to the previous question,
which of the following best describes what happens during beta decay?
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A proton is converted into a neutron and an e+ is released.
A neutron is converted into a proton and an e+ is released.
An e+ is pulled into the nucleus, combines with a neutron and forms a proton.
An e+ is pulled into the nucleus, combines with a proton and forms a neutron.
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