Does Fission rate increase with increasing temperature?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the relationship between temperature and fission rates, specifically whether an increase in temperature affects the fission rate of materials that could undergo fission, particularly in the context of conditions found in the Earth's core versus ordinary room temperature conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether fission rates would increase toward the center of the Earth due to higher temperatures compared to room temperature conditions.
  • Another participant asserts that temperature has no relevant effect on spontaneous decays, including fission.
  • A third participant reiterates that while temperature does not affect spontaneous fission, it influences neutron and proton induced fission rates through mechanisms like Doppler broadening.
  • A later reply expresses skepticism about the occurrence of significant neutron or proton induced fission in the Earth's core.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the influence of temperature on fission rates, particularly distinguishing between spontaneous fission and fission induced by neutrons or protons. There is no consensus on the overall impact of temperature on fission rates in the context discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the distinction between spontaneous fission and fission induced by external particles, indicating that assumptions about the environment and conditions may affect interpretations of fission behavior.

jerich1000
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From the standpoint of temperature (not pressure), would components that could experience fission experience a higher fission rate toward the center of the Earth because of the higher temperature, or at ordinary room temperature conditions?
 
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Temperature has no relevant effect on spontaneous decays, this includes fission.
 
Temperature has no relevant effect on spontaneous decays, this includes fission.

Temperature influences neutron induced and proton induced fission rates via Doppler broadening. It does not affect spontaneous fission.
 
I would not expect significant amounts of neutron or proton induced fission in the core of earth.
 
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