Chapter 20, Problem 20.40QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: the following terms nuclear fission, nuclear chain reaction, Critical mass

Should be defined.

Concept introduction:

Nuclear fission:

It is the process in which a heavy nucleolus (whose mass number greater than the 200) splits into form smaller nuclei of intermediate mass and one more neutrons.

A large atomic nuclei gets decomposed due to bombardment of some subatomic particle forming one or more than one.

Nuclear fusion: when two or more than two nuclei is joined together to form a bigger nuclei is called as nuclear fusion.

Critical mass: It is the smallest amount of fissile or fuel, material needed for a sustained nuclear chain reaction.

The critical mass of a fissionable material depends upon its nuclear properties.

Nuclear chain reaction:

It occurs when one single nuclear reaction is responsible to initiate one or more subsequient nuclear reactions.

Most of the nuclear reaction may be the fission of heavy isotopes like (uranium -235, ${\text{U}}^{235}$.

A nuclear chain reaction is a self-initiated sequence of nuclear reaction.

To determine: Define and explain the following termed mentioned in below.