How Much Energy is Extracted from Uranium-235 Through Nuclear Fission?

  • Thread starter Thread starter element1945
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Energy Uranium
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the proportion of energy extracted from Uranium-235 during nuclear fission. It establishes that the energy released from the fission reaction is 175 MeV, while the total binding energy of Uranium-235 is 1786 MeV. The conversation also addresses the implications of a 50% efficiency rate in converting nuclear energy into electricity, leading to calculations regarding the amount of radioactive waste produced, specifically Xenon (Xe) and Strontium (Sr). The participants seek clarity on how to relate total energy, released energy, and efficiency to determine waste production.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear fission reactions, specifically the fission of Uranium-235.
  • Knowledge of energy conversion metrics, including MeV to Joules and kWh calculations.
  • Familiarity with binding energy concepts in nuclear physics.
  • Basic proficiency in efficiency calculations in energy production.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the binding energy of Uranium-235 and its implications for nuclear fission.
  • Learn how to convert MeV to Joules for energy calculations.
  • Investigate the efficiency of nuclear power plants and its impact on energy output.
  • Explore the environmental impact of radioactive waste from nuclear fission.
USEFUL FOR

Students in nuclear physics, energy engineers, environmental scientists, and anyone interested in the efficiency and waste management of nuclear energy production.

element1945
Messages
29
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



What proportion of the total energy in Uranium-235 is extracted through nuclear fission?

In 2001, the world electricity consumption was 13.81 trillion kWh. Assuming 50% efficiency in converting and distributing the power, and imagining that all production was nuclear, how many kg of radioactive waste (Xe and Sr) would have been created?

Homework Equations



1 n + 235U -> 140Xe + 94Sr + 2 n + gamma

1 MeV = 1.602x10^-13 J
1 kWh = 3.6x10^6 J

The Attempt at a Solution



Using the reaction and the binding energies the released energy is equal to 175 MeV.

how do i calculate the proportion of the extracted and total energy?

how do i use the % of efficiency and the global production to calculate the waste?
Please help.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
i forgot that the total energy of Uranium is the binding energy i think that is 1786 MeV.
 
i don't know how to relate the total and the released energy, and how to relate the 50% efficiency with the released energy and the global consumption... please help :(?
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Nuclear Fission of Uranium-235
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
How much energy is released when 1 kg of uranium 235 is fissioned?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Nuclear fission calculation of energy released
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
High School Why uranium dioxide is used in nuclear reactors?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Struggling with Uranium-235 Nuclear Fission
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Nuclear fission and amount of U-235 used
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Graduate Why is Uranium 235 Unstable & Nuclear Fission Explained
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
12K
High School How energy is released during nuclear fission?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Calculating Energy Released from Uranium Fission
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Nuclear Fission - Calculations of Energy
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K