Unraveling the Mystery of Neutrons in Fission Reactions

AI Thread Summary
The fission reaction involving uranium-235 illustrates the role of neutrons in initiating and sustaining a chain reaction. A free neutron is essential on the left side of the equation as it triggers the fission process. The reaction produces additional neutrons, which can further induce more fission events. This mechanism is crucial for the operation of nuclear reactors, where maintaining a controlled chain reaction is vital. Understanding the presence of the neutron is key to grasping the dynamics of nuclear fission.
mandy9008
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Homework Statement


Fission reaction:
10n + 23592U --> 14156 + 9236 Kr + 3(10n)

Why in the world is there a neutron on the left side of this rxn? Why not just reduce the number of neutrons on the right side to two?
 
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Mathematically that would make sense, but physically the way the equation is written is the way it actually happens. A free neutron CAUSES the fission in a reactor and frees several neutrons which go on to cause other fissions - a chain reaction.
 

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