What is the Role of U-235 in Nuclear Fission?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the role of Uranium-235 (U-235) in nuclear fission, highlighting its historical context as a U-boat during World War II. U-235 was part of the German Navy's fleet, specifically the 5th and 22nd U-boat flotillas, before being sunk twice. Additionally, the conversation touches on the potential for critical mass if U-235 were to collide with U-233 and the involvement of U-238 in forming Plutonium-239 (Pu-239). The accuracy of a video depicting the Fat Man bomb, which utilized Pu-239 rather than U-235, is also critiqued.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear fission principles
  • Familiarity with isotopes, specifically U-235, U-238, and U-233
  • Knowledge of World War II naval history, particularly German U-boats
  • Awareness of nuclear weapon design, including the Fat Man bomb
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the historical significance of U-boats in World War II
  • Study the process of nuclear fission and the role of different isotopes
  • Learn about the design and mechanics of the Fat Man bomb
  • Explore the implications of critical mass in nuclear reactions
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for historians, nuclear physicists, and anyone interested in the intersection of military history and nuclear science.

KingGambit
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Today I learned that U 235 is not a German Uboat

 
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Neither is U2

:DD

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Actually U-235 was an U-boat. It sank twice.
 
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Borek said:
Actually U-235 was an U-boat. It sank twice.
Wow, Sir. You are a real historian.
 
Borek said:
It sank twice.
Story, please? (It was sunk by its own navy, I know.)
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Story, please? (It was sunk by its own navy, I know.)

Just from wiki: After training with the 5th U-boat Flotilla at Kiel, U-235 was transferred to the 22nd flotilla on 29 October 1943, following her sinking in May by US bombs in Kiel. She had been raised, repaired and returned to service. She was reassigned to the 31st U-boat Flotilla on 2 April 1945, less than two weeks before her second sinking.
 
Anyone can google, @Vanadium 50 !
It wasn't a very successful boat :
1619110234400.png


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So if U-235 accidentally collided with U-233 they could have reached critical mass!

And if U-238 had been involved as well this would have become the (P)U-239 ☢️
 
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KingGambit said:
Today I learned that U 235 is not a German Uboat


Unfortunately for the video's accuracy sake, the image of the bomb in the video is the Fat Man bomb, which was ^{239}\mathrm{Pu} based (not ^{235}\mathrm{U}).
 

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