Nuclear Fission

A large (heavy) nucleus

Nuclear Fission A large (heavy) nucleus breaks into two smaller nuclei (of intermediate size)

Nuclear Fission A large (heavy) nucleus breaks into two smaller nuclei (of intermediate size) and gives off one or more neutrons.

Nuclear Fission A large (heavy) nucleus breaks into two smaller nuclei (of intermediate size) and gives off one or more neutrons. This process also releases a large amount of energy.

The parent nucleus most commonly used for nuclear fission is Uranium–235

92 protons (235-92) = 143 neutrons

The parent nucleus most commonly used for nuclear fission is Uranium– protons (235-92) = 143 neutrons

The parent nucleus most commonly used for nuclear fission is Uranium– protons (235-92) = 143 neutrons

neutron

Unstable

Krypton–92

Barium–141

n n n Neutron

n n n

unstable

heat gamma rays

Slow neutron

Fast neutrons

Total charge on Left = 92

Total charge on right = (0) = 92

Total mass on left = = 236

Total mass on right = (1) = 236 Total mass on left = = 236

Many other fission reactions are possible for uranium–235

Many of these fission products are highly radioactive and undergo beta and gamma decay. Many other fission reactions are possible for uranium–235

Many of these fission products are highly radioactive and undergo beta and gamma decay. Three particularly dangerous products are: Many other fission reactions are possible for uranium–235

Many of these fission products are highly radioactive and undergo beta and gamma decay. Three particularly dangerous products are:  Cesium–137 ( )  Strontium–90 ( )  Iodine–131 ( ) Many other fission reactions are possible for uranium–235

Many of these fission products are highly radioactive and undergo beta and gamma decay. Three particularly dangerous products are:  Cesium–137 ( )  Strontium–90 ( )  Iodine–131 ( ) Many other fission reactions are possible for uranium–235

Many of these fission products are highly radioactive and undergo beta and gamma decay. Three particularly dangerous products are:  Cesium–137 ( )  Strontium–90 ( )  Iodine–131 ( ) Many other fission reactions are possible for uranium–235

Many of these fission products are highly radioactive and undergo beta and gamma decay. Three particularly dangerous products are:  Cesium–137 ( ) half-life 30 years, enters the body like K.  Strontium–90 ( )  Iodine–131 ( ) Many other fission reactions are possible for uranium–235

Many of these fission products are highly radioactive and undergo beta and gamma decay. Three particularly dangerous products are:  Cesium–137 ( ) half-life 30 years, enters the body like K.  Strontium–90 ( ) half-life 30 years, stored in bones like Ca  Iodine–131 ( ) Many other fission reactions are possible for uranium–235

Many of these fission products are highly radioactive and undergo beta and gamma decay. Three particularly dangerous products are:  Cesium–137 ( ) half-life 30 years, enters the body like K.  Strontium–90 ( ) half-life 30 years, stored in bones like Ca  Iodine–131 ( ) half-life 8 days, absorbed by thyroid gland. Many other fission reactions are possible for uranium–235

Finding a Missing Fission Product

?

Total charge on Left = 92

Finding a Missing Fission Product Total charge on Left = 92 Total charge on right = (0) = 92

Finding a Missing Fission Product Total charge on Left = 92 Total charge on right = (0) = 92

Finding a Missing Fission Product Total charge on Left = 92 Total charge on right = (0) = 92

Finding a Missing Fission Product Total charge on Left = 92 Total charge on right = (0) =

Finding a Missing Fission Product Total charge on Left = 92 Total charge on right = (0) =

Finding a Missing Fission Product Total charge on Left = 92 Total charge on right = (0) = 92

Finding a Missing Fission Product Total charge on Left = 92 Total charge on right = (0) = 92

Finding a Missing Fission Product

Total mass on left = = 236

Finding a Missing Fission Product Total mass on left = = 236 Total mass on right = (1) = 236

Finding a Missing Fission Product Total mass on left = = 236 Total mass on right = (1) = 236

Finding a Missing Fission Product Total mass on left = = 236 Total mass on right = (1) = 236

Finding a Missing Fission Product Total mass on left = = 236 Total mass on right = (1) = 236

Finding a Missing Fission Product Total mass on left = = 236 Total mass on right = (1) = 236

Finding a Missing Fission Product Total mass on left = = 236 Total mass on right = (1) = 236

Finding a Missing Fission Product Total mass on left = = 236 Total mass on right = (1) = 236

Finding a Missing Fission Product The Missing Fission Product

Finding the Number of Neutrons Given Off

?

? Total mass on left = = 236

? Total mass on right = (1) = 236

? Total mass on left = = 236 Total mass on right = (1) = 236

? Total mass on left = = 236 Total mass on right = (1) = 236

? Total mass on left = = 236 Total mass on right = (1) =

? Total mass on left = = 236 Total mass on right = (1) = 236

? Total mass on left = = 236 Total mass on right = (1) = 236

Total mass on left = = 236 Total mass on right = (1) = 236

Total mass on left = = 236 Total mass on right = (1) = 236