Neutron Fission & Quantum Physics: How Does Gravity Affect Trajectory?

In summary, neutrons are affected by gravity, but the interaction is insignificant. The nuclear effects are much more important.
  • #1
1907Quarter
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just thinking cross sections here. a neutron that is freed as a result of a fission of pure U235. travels @c/10(fast!) will its trajectory be perturbed by the gravitational force emitted by a nearby nucleus, or do things on the quantum level work differently?
 
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  • #2


Neutrons are affected by gravity, but over much longer length scales. For ultracold neutrons that can give rise to interesting effects.

http://physicsworld.com/cws/article/news/2002/jan/17/neutrons-reveal-quantum-effects-of-gravity

The effect of gravity on neutrons is also a common problem in neutron small angle scattering.

How much neutrons are affected by the gravitational field of nearby nuclei I don't know. I guess someone will have to do the calculations (compare the kinetic energy of the neutron to the gravitational energy).
 
  • #3


The gravitational effects of the stuff in a reactor is extremely miniscule in the workings of a reactor. Even the Earth's gravity will have very little effect, since the neutrons are moving quite fast and the distances involved are quite short.
 
  • #4


1907Quarter said:
just thinking cross sections here. a neutron that is freed as a result of a fission of pure U235. travels @c/10(fast!) will its trajectory be perturbed by the gravitational force emitted by a nearby nucleus, or do things on the quantum level work differently?
One could calculate the force of gravity between a U235 nucleus and a neutron, and then compare to the nuclear force.

The gravitational effect is insignificant. The nuclear effects dwarf the effect of gravity.

A fast neutron in a LWR is more likely to interact with a proton in the cooling water than it is to be captured by a U235 or U238 atom. The slowing down of neutrons takes on the order of milliseconds. Control of the system is actually achieved by virture of delayed neutrons that come from certain radionuclides (e.g., Br-87, 88, 89, I-137, 138, Rb-93, 94) that emit neutrons seconds after the fission event from which they were created.
 

1. What is neutron fission?

Neutron fission is a nuclear reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy. This process is commonly used in nuclear power plants to generate electricity.

2. How does neutron fission relate to quantum physics?

Quantum physics describes the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic level. Neutron fission is a quantum process, as it involves the breaking apart of atomic nuclei, which are made up of protons and neutrons.

3. What role does gravity play in neutron fission?

Gravity plays a minor role in neutron fission, as it affects the trajectory of particles involved in the reaction. However, the strong nuclear force, which holds the nucleus together, is much stronger than gravity and is the primary force at play in neutron fission.

4. How does gravity affect the trajectory of particles in neutron fission?

Gravity affects the trajectory of particles in neutron fission by altering their paths as they move through space. However, this effect is minimal compared to the strong nuclear force, which is responsible for the majority of the movement and splitting of nuclei in the reaction.

5. Are there any practical applications of understanding the relationship between gravity and trajectory in neutron fission?

While the role of gravity in neutron fission is not significant, understanding the interaction between these forces can help scientists better understand the fundamental laws of physics and potentially lead to advancements in nuclear technology and energy production.

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