Fission or Fusion? Exploring Nuclear Reactions with Li-6

In summary, the reaction that produces tritium in fusion power is called "neutron capture followed by breakup" and it produces energy due to the mass difference between the entrance and exit channels. This naming can be tricky as it involves different dynamics and energy release from each step.
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Stephanus
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Dear PF Forum,
In previous thread, I am asking about fusion power.
But there is one thing that intriguing me.
This is one of the reactions that produces tritium.
n + [itex]_3^6[/itex]Li -> [itex]_2^4[/itex]He + [itex]_1^3[/itex]H + 4.8 Mev
What is this reaction called?
1. Fusion? If yes, why it's called fusion?
2. Fission?
3. Other?
Because from here, it looks like a fission to me.
Shooting a neutron to an atom that splits it into two smaller atom.
If this is fission,
Lithium is very far away from iron, right? Shouldn't it absorb massive energy? Why does it produce energy, instead?


Thanks
 
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It depends on how technical you want to be. I'd call it "neutron capture followed by breakup". Naming reactions like this gets tricky, unless the dynamics are well understood. You don't normally use the word fusion for neutron capture, and you don't generally use the word fission for such a system. Fusion followed by fission also are defined by a certain characteristic timescale,

It produces energy because of the mass difference between the entrance and exit channels. You're probably confused because you're viewing it as a one-step process. Instead consider each part of "neutron capture" and "followed by breakup" separately. n+6Li -> 7Li has positive Q-value of 7.3 MeV, and the subsequent breakup of 7Li into cluster constituents costs about 2.5 MeV, thus giving you 4.8 MeV out at the end.
 
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Stephanus said:
Lithium is very far away from iron, right?
It is also an odd/odd nucleus (with 3 neutrons and 3 protons), which needs a lot of energy to form. That also means you can release energy by forming the well-bound He-4 nucleus and having the rest emitted as tritium. For those small nuclei, things are a bit more complicated.

Naming is difficult for those reactions.
 
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1. What is the difference between fission and fusion?

Fission is the process of splitting a large atomic nucleus into smaller ones, while fusion is the process of combining two or more smaller atomic nuclei to form a larger one.

2. What is Li-6 and how is it used in nuclear reactions?

Li-6 is an isotope of lithium that contains 3 protons and 3 neutrons. It is used in nuclear reactions as a fuel source for fusion reactions, as well as a neutron source for fission reactions.

3. How does Li-6 contribute to the production of energy in nuclear reactions?

In fusion reactions, Li-6 is used as a fuel source, where it undergoes nuclear fusion with other atoms to release large amounts of energy. In fission reactions, Li-6 is used as a neutron source, where it undergoes nuclear reactions to produce neutrons that can then be used to induce fission in other atoms, releasing energy.

4. What are some potential applications of nuclear reactions with Li-6?

Nuclear reactions with Li-6 have potential applications in the production of energy, such as in nuclear power plants, as well as in the production of medical isotopes for diagnosing and treating diseases. It can also be used in scientific research and in the production of nuclear weapons.

5. Are there any safety concerns or risks associated with nuclear reactions using Li-6?

As with any type of nuclear reaction, there are potential safety concerns and risks associated with the use of Li-6. These include the potential release of radioactive material, the risk of accidents and meltdowns, and the possibility of nuclear proliferation. It is important for scientists to carefully control and monitor these reactions to minimize these risks.

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