How much energy is released when 1 kg of uranium 235 is fissioned?

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SUMMARY

The energy released from the fission of 1 kg of uranium-235 is approximately 83.14 terajoules (TJ). Each atom of uranium-235 releases about 200 mega-electronvolts (MeV) during fission. The calculation of mass change can be derived using Einstein's equation, E = mc², which relates energy and mass. The initial confusion regarding the mass change calculation was clarified by emphasizing the importance of unit consistency in energy calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear fission processes
  • Familiarity with Einstein's equation E = mc²
  • Knowledge of energy units, specifically joules and terajoules
  • Basic concepts of atomic mass units (amu) and mega-electronvolts (MeV)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the detailed process of nuclear fission in uranium-235
  • Study the conversion of energy units between MeV and joules
  • Learn about the implications of energy release in nuclear reactors
  • Explore the calculations for mass-energy equivalence in nuclear reactions
USEFUL FOR

Students in nuclear physics, engineers working in nuclear energy, and anyone interested in the principles of energy release in nuclear fission processes.

leehufford
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Homework Statement



In a nuclear reactor, each atom of uranium (235 amu) releases about 200 MeV when it fissions. What is the change in mass when 1.0 kg of uranium 235 is fissioned?

Homework Equations



E = mc2

The Attempt at a Solution



I found the energy released per kg based on the numbers above, plugged it into the above formula and got a number I do not think is reasonable: 9.11 x 10-10. That number reminds me of the mass of an electron, only its orders of magnitude higher. Am I oversimplifying this problem? It really has me confused. Thanks in advance,

Lee
 
Last edited:
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Knowing the mass of each uranium atom we can compute the energy released (Joule in the IS of units) for each gram of uranium.
It is important to always have in mind the units we are using. You don't explicit the units you're using when you calculate energy, but the energy of 1 Kg of Uranium must be way higher than that...

I've found for you that 1kg of U235 (3,75%) has 83,14 TJ/kg :O
 

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