The theory of nuclear astrophysics is that all the heavy elements like uranium are formed in the interior of massive stars. These stars eventually explode, releasing the elements into space. If we assume that at the time of explosion there were equal amounts of 235 U and 238 U, how long ago were the elements that formed our Earth released, given that the present 235U/238U ratio is 0.007? (The half-lives of 235U and 238U are 0.70 × 109 yr and 4.47 × 109 yr, respectively.)
Nuclear Fusion
Nuclear fusion is a type of nuclear reaction. In nuclear fusion, two or more than two lighter atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. During this process, an enormous amount of energy is released. This energy is called nuclear energy. Nuclear fusion is the energy source of the sun and stars.
Fusion Bomb
A fusion bomb is also known as a thermonuclear bomb or hydrogen bomb which releases a large amount of explosive energy during a nuclear chain reaction when the lighter nuclei in it, combine to form heavier nuclei, and a large amount of radiation is released. It is an uncontrolled, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction where isotopes of hydrogen combine under very high temperature to form helium. They work on the principle of operation of atomic fusion. The isotopes of Hydrogen are deuterium and tritium, where they combine their masses and have greater mass than the product nuclei, get heated at high temperatures, and releases energy.
The theory of nuclear astrophysics is that all the heavy elements like uranium are formed in the interior of massive stars. These stars eventually explode, releasing the elements into space. If we assume that at the time of explosion there were equal amounts of 235 U and 238 U, how long ago were the elements that formed our Earth released, given that the present 235U/238U ratio is 0.007? (The half-lives of 235U and 238U are 0.70 × 109 yr and 4.47 × 109 yr, respectively.)
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