Calculating Volume of Uranium Alloy for Critical Mass

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the volume of a uranium alloy based on its density and critical mass. Participants explore the implications of different masses and the effects of surrounding materials on critical mass, while also expressing uncertainty about the calculation process.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a problem involving a uranium alloy with a density of 18.75 g/cm³ and asks how to calculate the volume for a critical mass of 49 kg, mentioning that this mass can decrease to 16 kg with a neutron reflector.
  • Several participants suggest that the calculation can be straightforwardly done using the formula for volume based on mass and density.
  • There is confusion regarding the relevance of the different masses and how they relate to the calculation of volume.
  • Participants reiterate that the smaller mass is simply a part of the problem and does not complicate the calculation process.
  • One participant expresses a need for resources to learn how to draw Lewis structures, indicating a broader interest in chemistry beyond the immediate problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the method to calculate volume using mass and density, but there is some disagreement about the significance of the different masses provided in the problem. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the participant's confusion about the relevance of the neutron reflector and the smaller mass.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about how to approach the problem, indicating a lack of clarity on the mathematical steps involved. There is also a mention of the need for additional resources for understanding related concepts, such as Lewis structures.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals interested in nuclear physics, chemistry, and mathematical problem-solving related to density and volume calculations.

someone21
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A uranium alloy has density of 18.75 g/cm3. Find the volume if occupied
by a critical mass of 49 kg of this alloy? The critical mass itself can be decreased to 16
kg if the alloy is surrounded by a layer of natural uranium ( neutron reflector). What is the volume of the smaller mass?

I am sorry but I have no idea how to do this question, I just don't get how to start , like should i use moles or possibly nuclear equations. No idea

Lastly, more importantly any good sites to teach how to draw Lewis structure
 
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You have mass, you have density, just use these number to calculate volume. That's all.
 
Borek said:
You have mass, you have density, just use these number to calculate volume. That's all.

Thanks but then what is all the decreased mass and all those

And they are asking the 'smaller' mass
 
You have two masses given - 49 kg and 16 kg. One is larger, one is smaller. There is nothing more to the question, everything else is just to make the question more interesting (or more confusing if you like).
 
Borek said:
You have two masses given - 49 kg and 16 kg. One is larger, one is smaller. There is nothing more to the question, everything else is just to make the question more interesting (or more confusing if you like).


So the answer is 16000 g /18.75g

And what will the unit for volume be
 
someone21 said:
So the answer is 16000 g /18.75g

[tex]\frac {16000 g} { 18.75 \frac {g} {mL}}[/tex]

Units follow from that.
 
Borek said:
[tex]\frac {16000 g} { 18.75 \frac {g} {mL}}[/tex]

Units follow from that.


Thanks for answering that but I had one more question as in my first post

Lastly, more importantly any good sites to teach how to draw Lewis structure

I know that there are many sites from google but i somehow don't find it easy to understand thereby any other good sites
 

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