The byproducts can be more exotic than just momentum and heat; the energy leaves as EM energy as well.bjoyful said:The missing mass translates into the energy acquired in the fission products, such as their kinetic energy, which leads to heat, which is used to make energy, etc.
The use of the word "strain" is a bit of a misnomer here. It is a bit misleading to suggest that "strain is relieved" in the splitting.bjoyful said:During fission, the nucleus splits and relieves some of the strain, resulting in the release of energy.
bjoyful said:I am writting a short essay with the following questions: Explain how E=mc2 equation applies to nuclear fission. I am to illustrate my explanation with an example, being sure to distinguish between mass and mass number, and explain how a nuclear equation differs from a chemical equation.
I have answered everything, but I am having a hard time finding the example to demonstrate my points.
In case it helps you, here is what I have written in response to the above question:
A nuclear equation produces radiation and forms completely different elements. A chemical equation has all the elements balanced on both sides. In a nuclear fission event (i.e. when a U235 atom splits), if one were to carefully measure the weights of the fission products after the event and compare them to the weight of the atom before the event, there would be a slight “mass defect”. The missing mass translates into the energy acquired in the fission products, such as their kinetic energy, which leads to heat, which is used to make energy, etc. While E=mc2 is associated with nuclear events, it applies to all events involving conservation of momentum. At the speeds we are accustomed to, which do not approach the speed of light, the mass defect is not detectable.
When Einstein invented the equation, E=mc2, he realized that for nuclear reactions mass doesn’t necessarily have to be conserved. The equation indicates that some of the mass can be converted into or released as energy. When an atom breaks a part, the two pieces together have a smaller mass that the original atom. There is a great deal of energy that holds together protons and neutrons in the nucleus. During fission, the nucleus splits and relieves some of the strain, resulting in the release of energy.
I appreicate your help!
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.
Nuclear fission occurs when a neutron collides with the nucleus of an atom, causing it to split into smaller fragments, releasing more neutrons and a large amount of energy. This process is controlled and sustained in a nuclear reactor to generate electricity.
E=mc2 is the famous equation developed by Albert Einstein that explains the relationship between mass and energy. In nuclear fission, a small amount of mass is converted into a large amount of energy, following this equation.
The main risks associated with nuclear fission are the release of radioactive material and the potential for nuclear accidents. These risks can be mitigated through proper safety measures and regulations.
Nuclear fission has the potential to provide a large amount of clean and reliable energy. It is also used in various medical treatments and research, such as cancer treatment and isotope production. Additionally, studying nuclear fission can lead to advancements in our understanding of fundamental physics principles.