Even though thorium does not undergo fission, it has been proposed as a fuel for nuclear reactors because it is abundant, can be easily converted to 233U (an isotope that does undergo fission) by bombardment with low-energy neutrons, and because the production of nuclear weapons by this route is extremely difficult and hazardous. Formation of 233U begins with the absorption of neutron by 232Th. The product of that reaction then
Even though thorium does not undergo fission, it has been proposed as a fuel for nuclear reactors because it is abundant, can be easily converted to 233U (an isotope that does undergo fission) by bombardment with low-energy neutrons, and because the production of nuclear weapons by this route is extremely difficult and hazardous. Formation of 233U begins with the absorption of neutron by 232Th. The product of that reaction then decays to 233Pa, which then decays to 233U.
What is the product of the first step of the reaction, the absorption of a neutron by 232Th?
The next step of the reaction decays to form 233Pa. What type of particle needs to be emitted or absorbed?
The final step of the reaction to forms 233U. What type of particle needs to be emitted or absorbed?
If fission of 233U releases 197.9 MeV per atom, how many joules are released by fission of 100 g of 233U?
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