Fissionable elements for Fission

In summary, the conversation discusses the process of fission in nuclear reactions and whether the starting element needs to be naturally radioactive. It is explained that while all suitable nuclides are radioactive, it is not a requirement and not all large Z nuclei will work. The possibility of releasing energy by shooting fast particles onto non-radioactive elements is also mentioned, but it is unlikely and cannot result in a chain reaction. The conversation also touches on the production of artificial elements and their radioactive nature. Finally, the idea of the nucleus being "broken or split" by incoming neutrons is clarified as not being an accurate representation.
  • #1
fog37
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TL;DR Summary
materials suitable for fission
Hello,

Quick question: in fission, which is a nuclear reaction, a large element is hit with neutrons and broken/split into two smaller elements while lots of energy is released. Does the starting element, which must be large in size (like uranium-235 or plutonium-239) need to be an element that is naturally radioactive? Or is it enough for it to just be a large atomic number Z element? What if we hit a large non-radioactive element with fast particles? Can we still split it and have the release of energy? Or is it too hard to do so we rely on naturally radioactive materials to start the fission process?

I understand natural radioactivity: some elements spontaneously decay and transform into new elements (until the final element is a stable one).
In the case of artificial radioactivity, we create new elements by forcing an element (does it have to be naturally radioactive to start with) to change into a new one by hitting it with fast particles (neutrons, alpha particles, etc.).

Are the new, artificial elements that we create through this process automatically radioactive? I don't think so. They are simply called artificially radioactive because when they were created some radioactive particles were also released, correct?

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
All suitable nuclides happen to be radioactive, but this is not a requirement, and not every large Z nucleus will work.

In principle energy can be released if you shoot a fast particle onto e.g. lead and it splits, but that is a very unlikely reaction. You are more likely to get something else, like kicking out a few neutrons and protons. And you can't get a chain reaction with lead.
fog37 said:
Are the new, artificial elements that we create through this process automatically radioactive?
All elements with stable isotopes occur in nature. If we create an element that doesn't occur in nature then it has to be radioactive... but of course we can also create stable elements. It is just less interesting, because we can simply mine them.
 
  • #3
fog37 said:
a large element is hit with neutrons and broken/split into two smaller elements
Just as an aside, this mental image of the nucleus being "broken or split" by the incoming neutron is not accurate. It is not a kinetic effect, like a target being shattered by a bullet. Google "liquid drop model"
 

What is fissionable material?

Fissionable material is any element or isotope that can undergo nuclear fission, a process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy.

What are the most commonly used fissionable elements?

The most commonly used fissionable elements are uranium-235 and plutonium-239. These elements are used as fuel in nuclear reactors and in nuclear weapons.

How is energy produced through fission?

During fission, the splitting of an atom's nucleus releases a large amount of energy in the form of heat and radiation. This energy can be harnessed to generate electricity in nuclear power plants.

What are the risks associated with fissionable elements?

Fissionable elements can be highly radioactive, which can pose health risks to humans and the environment. There is also a risk of nuclear accidents and the potential for these elements to be used in nuclear weapons.

Can fissionable elements be recycled?

Yes, fissionable elements can be recycled through a process called nuclear reprocessing. This involves separating the usable fuel from spent nuclear fuel, which can then be reused in nuclear reactors.

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