Question about nuclear fission

In summary, the process of nuclear fission involves a random neutron smashing into a uranium nucleus, causing it to split into krypton and barium, along with extra neutrons. These extra neutrons then smash into other uranium nuclei, creating a chain reaction. The fission products have too many neutrons and can convert them into protons and electrons to maintain charge balance. The additional electrons needed for the chain reaction are already present in other uranium atoms, as the fission process does not require them to continue.
  • #1
orbyt__
2
0
I was watching an explanation (found here: youtu.be/yTkojROg-t8 ) on nuclear fission.

In the video, he described the process of fission to happen one a random neutron smashes into a uranium nucleus. This causes the necleus to split into krpyton and barium, taking part of the nucleon and electrons with it, along with a few extra neutrons. The extra neutrons then smash into other uranium nucleuses, causing the chain reaction.

My question is, if you start with only x electrons in the original uranium atom, you must run out of electrons soon in the chain reaction. Where do the extra electrons needed to continue the chain reaction come from?
 
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  • #2
orbyt__ said:
.My question is, if you start with only x electrons in the original uranium atom, you must run out of electrons soon in the chain reaction. Where do the extra electrons needed to continue the chain reaction come from?

I'm not sure why you think we will run out of electrons ,... let's look at the equation for just one of the reactions that might occur ...

10n + 235 92U → 141 56 Ba + 92 36 Kr + 3 10 n

The first number (1) in the equation is the mass ...second number (0) is the charge ...n shows it's a neutron this hits uranium ...mass 235 charge 92 , on the right side of the equation we have the products ... the charge 56+36 =92 , the same on the left so same number of protons and electrons on both sides ...

Fission products generally have too many neutrons for stability , and can remedy this by converting a neutron (zero charge) ..into a positive proton and a negative electron ...again charge is conserved .

. .
 
  • #3
orbyt__ said:
This causes the necleus to split into krpyton and barium, taking part of the nucleon and electrons with it, along with a few extra neutrons. The extra neutrons then smash into other uranium nucleuses, causing the chain reaction.

My question is, if you start with only x electrons in the original uranium atom, you must run out of electrons soon in the chain reaction. Where do the extra electrons needed to continue the chain reaction come from?
  1. They are not needed to continue chain reaction. Uranium nuclei without any electrons would undergo fission all the same.
  2. The additional electrons are in the other uranium atoms where the electrons are. The fission process basically ignores electrons, which then tag along where the nuclei go.
 

1. What is nuclear fission?

Nuclear fission is a process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of heat and radiation.

2. How is nuclear fission used?

Nuclear fission is primarily used in nuclear power plants to generate electricity. It is also used in nuclear weapons and in some medical treatments.

3. What elements can undergo nuclear fission?

The most commonly used element for nuclear fission is uranium. Other elements that can undergo nuclear fission include plutonium, thorium, and neptunium.

4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear fission?

The main advantage of nuclear fission is that it produces a large amount of energy without emitting greenhouse gases. However, it also produces radioactive waste that must be properly stored to prevent harm to the environment and human health.

5. Is nuclear fission safe?

Nuclear fission can be safe when proper precautions are taken, such as maintaining the integrity of the nuclear reactor and properly storing and disposing of nuclear waste. However, accidents and disasters, such as the Chernobyl and Fukushima incidents, have shown that it can also have catastrophic consequences if not managed carefully.

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