Concept explainers
Why are neutrons released in a nuclear fission?
Answer to Problem 13Q
Solution:
Neutrons are released in a nuclear fission because the big nuclei which undergo fission have large number of neutrons. So the daughter nuclei formed during the fission process have more neutrons than they require for the stability. Thus some neutrons are released.
Explanation of Solution
Nuclear fission is a process in which a big nucleus breaks into two smaller nuclei with the liberation of large amount of energy and more neutrons. Nuclear fission occurs when a slow moving neutron hits a big nucleus. The neutrons released during the course of the reaction cause the fission of other nuclei (of nuclear fuel like uranium).Thus a chain reaction occurs and this reaction is self- sustaining as it does not require the external neutrons. The big nuclei have more neutrons per proton than they require for the stability. So when a big nucleus splits, the daughter nuclei formed contain more neutrons than they require for the stability. So, few neutrons are released.
Chapter 31 Solutions
Physics: Principles with Applications
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