Fission vs. Fusion question (particle physics)

In summary: So I guess it's safe to assume that all the leftover atoms get converted into He-4 and a neutron. In summary, the task is to calculate the energy released in the reactions below, one being fission and the other fusion, and to compare the energies released per gram. The equations E = Δm(c^2) will be useful in these calculations. The question also asks for an explanation of the conversions and calculations involved.
  • #1
Diyon335
1
0
Homework Statement
Calculate energy released in the reactions below, and compare them (see full question below)
Relevant Equations
a) FISSION: 1g of U-235 splits into La-148 + Br-87
b) FUSION: 0.5g of D2O with 0.5g of T20 creates He-4 and a neutron
useful equations: E = Δm(c^2)
Homework Statement: Calculate energy released in the reactions below, and compare them (see full question below)
Homework Equations: a) FISSION: 1g of U-235 splits into La-148 + Br-87
b) FUSION: 0.5g of D2O with 0.5g of T20 creates He-4 and a neutron
useful equations: E = Δm(c^2)

Hey, can someone help me with calculating the energies released by fission and fusion. Any help with a small explanation on WHY certain conversions and calculations are done would be so helpful, thank you!

The full question is this:

a) Calculate the energy released if 1 gram of U-235 splits into La-148 + Br-87.
b) Calculate the energy released in the fusion process of 0.5 grams of heavy water (D2O) with 0.5 grams of superheavy water (T2O), creating He-4 and a neutron. You may neglect the binding energies of the molecules.
c) Compare the energies released per gram. Which would you prefer?
 
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  • #2
Can you please show your effort?
 
  • #3
Diyon335 said:
useful equations: E = Δm(c^2)
If that is to be useful, what do you need to know?
 
  • #4
It's kind of a messy question. The U235 part is not too bad. But the D2O/T2O part is way messy.

It says the D2O and T2O fuses to produce He-4 and "a neutron." Um... Ok, what happens to the O's? And what happens to the left-over D's? Because 0.5 gram of D2O has more molecules than 0.5 gram of T2O.

Maybe it means that the T's and the D's that match are used to produce a bunch of He-4's and the corresponding number of neutrons. And the O's get ignored? Or maybe the O's get included and converted to He-4? (Assuming it's all O-16, for simplicity.) And maybe the extra D's get converted to He-4? So one neutron per T, and the rest to He-4? Way messy question.
 
  • #5
DEvens said:
It's kind of a messy question. The U235 part is not too bad. But the D2O/T2O part is way messy.

It says the D2O and T2O fuses to produce He-4 and "a neutron." Um... Ok, what happens to the O's? And what happens to the left-over D's? Because 0.5 gram of D2O has more molecules than 0.5 gram of T2O.

Maybe it means that the T's and the D's that match are used to produce a bunch of He-4's and the corresponding number of neutrons. And the O's get ignored? Or maybe the O's get included and converted to He-4? (Assuming it's all O-16, for simplicity.) And maybe the extra D's get converted to He-4? So one neutron per T, and the rest to He-4? Way messy question.
In defense of the full problem statement, it does say, "you may neglect the binding energies of the molecules," and, "... creating He-4 and a neutron."
 

FAQ: Fission vs. Fusion question (particle physics)

What is fission and fusion?

Fission and fusion are two types of nuclear reactions that involve the splitting and combining of atomic nuclei, respectively. In fission, a large nucleus is split into smaller nuclei, releasing energy. In fusion, two or more smaller nuclei combine to form a larger nucleus, also releasing energy.

What are the differences between fission and fusion?

The main difference between fission and fusion is the direction of the reaction. Fission involves the splitting of a nucleus, while fusion involves the combining of nuclei. Additionally, fission releases energy by breaking apart large nuclei, while fusion releases energy by combining small nuclei.

Which type of reaction is used in nuclear power plants?

Nuclear power plants use fission reactions to generate electricity. In these plants, uranium nuclei are split, releasing energy in the form of heat. This heat is then used to produce steam, which turns turbines and generates electricity.

What is the potential of fusion as a source of energy?

Fusion has the potential to be a virtually limitless source of energy. It is the same process that powers the sun and other stars, and it produces significantly more energy than fission reactions. However, scientists are still working on developing the technology to effectively harness fusion energy for practical use.

What are the challenges of achieving controlled fusion reactions?

One of the main challenges of achieving controlled fusion reactions is the extremely high temperatures and pressures required for fusion to occur. Scientists are also working on finding ways to contain and sustain the fusion reaction, as well as finding suitable materials to withstand the intense conditions inside a fusion reactor.

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