How Does Splitting an Atom Release Energy in Fission and Fusion?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mechanisms of nuclear fission and fusion, specifically how a neutron interacts with a nucleus to release energy. When a neutron is absorbed by a stable nucleus, such as U-235, it becomes unstable and undergoes fission, resulting in the release of energy as described by Einstein's equation E=mc². The process requires thermal neutrons, which are slowed down using hydrogen in water reactors to enhance absorption by U-235. The conversation also clarifies misconceptions about neutron acceleration and the nature of energy release during these nuclear reactions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Nuclear fission principles
  • Understanding of thermal neutrons and their role in reactors
  • Einstein's mass-energy equivalence (E=mc²)
  • Basic knowledge of isotopes, specifically U-235 and Pu-239
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the process of neutron moderation in nuclear reactors
  • Study the differences between fission and fusion reactions
  • Explore the concept of mass defect in nuclear physics
  • Learn about the operation and design of CANDU reactors and their use of heavy water
USEFUL FOR

Students of nuclear physics, nuclear engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of nuclear energy production and the underlying physics of atomic reactions.

  • #31
Line said:
It would seem the heating up particles would use far more energy.
You mean you just can't send a few particle through and accelrator and fuse them? If you have enough you ought to have enough heat to generate a fusion reaction. Or is there someway to turn off the magnetic fields?
Now I'm not talking about nuclear reactios. If a took the nucleaus of an iron atom and counted the particles in it. The mass of the particles would be more thand the nucleus?

OK, now you're no longer making any sense.

Zz.
 
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  • #32
Line said:
WHy would it take more energy in an accelelrator?

I mean the heat used to trigger a fusion reaction is awesome. I'd think an accelerator would be cheaper.

An accelerator is very very inefficient. Only a tiny fraction of the energy that goes into running it, ends up as increased energy of the particles that it's accelerating. Even if you get the particles to fuse and release energy, you're not going to come close to "paying back" all the energy that you pumped into the accelerator in the first place.
 
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