Energy Released in Fission Reaction

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SUMMARY

The fission reaction U(92,235) → Zr(40,98) + Te(52,135) + 2 n releases a mass energy of 183.9 MeV. The atomic masses used in the calculation are U(92,235) = 235.043923 u, Zr(40,98) = 97.912746 u, Te(52,135) = 134.916450 u, and neutron (n) = 1.008665 u. The energy release was calculated using the equation E = mc², where the mass defect was determined to be 3.37E-28 kg, leading to the final energy result.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear fission reactions
  • Familiarity with atomic mass units (u)
  • Knowledge of Einstein's mass-energy equivalence principle (E = mc²)
  • Basic skills in unit conversion (from kg to MeV)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of mass defect in nuclear reactions
  • Learn about the calculation of energy release in various fission reactions
  • Explore the implications of fission energy in nuclear power generation
  • Investigate the differences between fission and fusion reactions
USEFUL FOR

Students studying nuclear physics, physicists involved in energy research, and anyone interested in the principles of nuclear fission and its applications in energy production.

Ryo124
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Homework Statement



A typical fission reaction is
U(92,235) → Zr(40,98) + Te(52,135) + 2 n

The numbers in parentheses are (Z,A) for each isotope; n stands for a neutron.

The atomic masses of the isotopes are: U(92,235) = 235.043923 u; Zr(40,98) = 97.912746 u; Te(52,135) = 134.916450 u; n = 1.008665 u.

How much mass energy is released in the fission reaction? Use this number as typical of fission reactions. (Express the answer in MeV.)

Homework Equations



E = mc^2

(The atomic mass unit is 1 u = 931.5 MeV/c^2 = 1.67 ×10−27 kg where c is the speed of light.)

The Attempt at a Solution



I've calculated the loss of the the reaction to be 3.37E-28 kg, then tried plugging it into E = mc^2, but it did not work.
 
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3.37E-28 kg
How did you calculate that?
 
Never mind, I did it wrong, I got the correct answer of 183.9 MeV.
 

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