Physics of nuclear fusion, fission

In summary, the physics of nuclear fusion, fission, and particle emission in nuclear reactions are governed by the interaction of the nuclei, their relative energies and spins, and the structure of the nuclei themselves.
  • #1
Shuhrat
1
0
Hi everyone,

want to know about the physics of nuclear fusion, fission and particle emission in nuclear reactions.
Let's say that we collide two nuclei: 82Kr+48Ca at 5.5MeV/n energies,
theory says that in this reaction these nuclei can fuse(with some probability) and form 130Ba, and since 130Ba will be excited,it will emit light particles or decay by different channels.There may be quasifission in the way to complete fusion or in they way of symmetric system,or decay after symmetrization, and also can be incomplete fusion or direct reaction,pre-equilibrium particle emission-theory says.
so by what is governed the evolution of this kind of reactions?which physical quantities or factors play main role here?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The physical factors that govern nuclear fusion, fission, and particle emission in nuclear reactions are primarily determined by the interaction of the nuclei with each other. This interaction is affected by the distance between the nuclei, the relative energies of the nuclei, and the relative spins of the nuclei. Additionally, the structure of the nuclei themselves will affect how they interact and what type of reaction takes place. When two nuclei interact, they can undergo a variety of processes, such as fusion, fission, or direct reaction. In the case of fusion, the two nuclei combine into a single larger nucleus. This process releases a large amount of energy. Fission is the opposite, where a large nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei. Direct reaction involves the exchange of particles between the two nuclei. Particle emission can occur in all three processes. In fusion, gamma rays may be emitted when the fused nucleus is in an excited state. In fission, neutrons and other particles may be emitted. In direct reaction, particles may be exchanged between the two nuclei. Finally, the probability of any of these reactions occurring is determined by the relative energies of the two nuclei, the distance between them, and the spin of the nuclei. If the two nuclei have similar energies and spins, they have a higher chance of reacting than if they have different energies and spins.
 
  • #3


Hi there,

The physics of nuclear fusion, fission, and particle emission in nuclear reactions is a complex and fascinating topic. In a nuclear reaction, two nuclei collide and may undergo fusion, fission, or particle emission. The outcome of the reaction is determined by various physical quantities and factors.

One of the main governing factors in this type of reaction is the energy of the colliding nuclei. In your example, the energy of 5.5MeV/n is crucial in determining whether fusion or fission will occur. This energy is enough to overcome the Coulomb barrier, which is the repulsive force between the two positively charged nuclei. If the energy is not enough, the nuclei will not fuse and will instead undergo fission.

Another important factor is the nuclear structure of the colliding nuclei. Nuclei with similar nuclear structures are more likely to undergo fusion, while those with different structures may undergo fission. In your example, the nuclei 82Kr and 48Ca have similar structures, which is why fusion is possible.

The evolution of these reactions is also influenced by the angular momentum of the colliding nuclei. If the nuclei have high angular momentum, they may undergo quasifission, which is the splitting of the nuclei before they fully fuse. This can lead to incomplete fusion or direct reaction.

Additionally, the pre-equilibrium particle emission you mentioned is also a factor in the evolution of the reaction. This refers to the emission of particles before the nuclei fully fuse. These particles can affect the final outcome of the reaction.

Overall, the physics of nuclear fusion, fission, and particle emission in nuclear reactions is a complex interplay of various physical quantities and factors. Understanding and studying these reactions is important in the development of nuclear energy and in our understanding of the fundamental building blocks of the universe.
 

1. What is the difference between nuclear fusion and fission?

Nuclear fusion is the process of combining two or more atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, while nuclear fission is the process of splitting a heavy nucleus into two or more lighter nuclei.

2. How is energy released in nuclear fusion and fission reactions?

In nuclear fusion, energy is released when the combined nucleus has a lower mass than the sum of the individual nuclei. In fission, energy is released when the split nuclei have a lower mass than the original nucleus.

3. What is the role of nuclear fusion in stars?

Nuclear fusion is the process that powers stars, including our Sun. The high temperatures and pressures in the core of a star allow for fusion reactions to occur, releasing huge amounts of energy.

4. What are the potential benefits of nuclear fusion as an energy source?

Nuclear fusion has the potential to provide a virtually limitless source of clean energy, with no greenhouse gas emissions or long-term radioactive waste. It also uses abundant fuel sources and does not produce the same risks as nuclear fission reactions.

5. How is nuclear fusion being researched and developed for practical use?

Scientists and engineers are working on various approaches to achieve controlled nuclear fusion reactions, including magnetic confinement and inertial confinement. These methods involve creating extreme conditions of temperature and pressure to initiate and sustain fusion reactions, and are being tested in various experimental reactors around the world.

Similar threads

  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
16
Views
8K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
13
Views
5K
Back
Top