Nuclear reactions and their applications

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around nuclear reactions, specifically fission and fusion, and their energy implications. Participants are exploring the relationship between binding energy and the processes of splitting and combining atomic nuclei.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand the energy dynamics of fission and fusion, questioning how these processes can coexist without contradiction. There are discussions about the binding energy graph and its relevance to the mass of the nuclei involved.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with some participants seeking clarification on the concepts presented. There is an acknowledgment of different interpretations regarding the binding energy and its implications for fission and fusion, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the depth of their exploration and understanding of the topic. Some are struggling with the concepts, indicating a need for further clarification.

rojasharma
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Fission is a process in which a nucleus splits into two parts that are roughly the same size of the original nucleus. Tn fusion, two nuclei fuse, or combine, to form one nucleus. These reactions seem to be opposite to each other and yet both release large amounts of energy. Explain why this is not a contradiction. use the graph of binding energy per nuclean in your answer.
 
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No, in fission the nucleus split into nuclei which are roughly the same size as each other, not the same size as the original nucleus. The minimum of the binding energy is near the mass of iron. Suppose the fusing nuclei have masses much less than iron. Suppose the fissioning nucleus has a mass much greater than iron. Use the graph of binding energy per nucleon to explain this.
 
still don;t get it:(
 
If the atomic number is less than iron, you release energy by combining them. If the atomic number is greater than iron, you release energy by splitting them.
 

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