Nuclear Fission Basics: Calculating Energy Released U-235

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the energy released during the fission of a U-235 nucleus using Einstein's equation, E=mc². Participants provided specific mass values for U-235, neutrons, barium, and krypton, leading to a calculated mass difference of 1.203u. The correct energy release for typical U-235 fission is approximately 200 MeV, equating to about 3E-11 J, although variations depend on the specific decay products. The final consensus confirms that the energy released is approximately 2.82x10^-11 J when accounting for the mass difference accurately.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear fission principles
  • Familiarity with Einstein's equation E=mc²
  • Knowledge of atomic mass units (u)
  • Basic arithmetic and unit conversion skills
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  • Research the detailed process of U-235 fission and its decay products
  • Learn about energy calculations in nuclear reactions using E=mc²
  • Explore the significance of neutron production in fission reactions
  • Investigate the variations in energy release based on different fission products
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Students and professionals in nuclear physics, energy researchers, and anyone interested in the calculations involved in nuclear fission processes.

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calculate the amount of energy released in the fission of a U-235 nucleus.
http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesArticle/Nuclear-Fission-Basics.id-1669.html
Given:
Masses of the particles:
U-235 = 234.9993u
n=1.008
Ba=140.883u
Kr=91.905u

what i did was i used delta E=mc^2, where m is the mass of n...which is 1.008.. and i get 1.5x10^-10... why is this wrong?/
 
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The energy given off is the mass difference between the original U and the total of the decay products.

U235 = 234.9993
Ba+Kr+n=140.883+91.905+1.008 = 233.796
difference = 1.203 then just E=mc^2
 
thanks:)
 
delta E=1.795x10^-10J...is this answer correct?
 
i got it:)...the answer is 2.82x10^-11J.
 
If you did the arithmetic correctly!
Typical U235 fission is around 200Mev or 3E-11J but depends on the exact breakup products
with U235->Ba + Kr you would normally get 2 'extra' neutrons so your free energy is only about 0.2u
 

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