Chapter 40, Problem 11A

How is gaseous diffusion used to separate atoms of U-235 and U-238?

To determine

The method of separation of U-235 and U-238 by gaseous diffusion.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The gas diffusion is the method of separation of gas from a gas mixture. It is based on the molecular mass of the gasses in the gas mixture. The heavier the molecular mass of the gas less is the speed of the molecule.

The diffusion is the movement of the gas molecules from one position to other position due to the differences in the concentration in the gas molecules. The gas molecules always move from high concentration region to low concentration region.

The atomic mass of U-238 is more than the atomic mass U-235. So, the speed of U-235 molecules is more than the speed of the U-238 molecules. Uranium-235 molecule moves faster than Uranium-238 from high concentration region to low concentration region.

Conclusion:

Thus, Uranium-235 molecule separates from Uranium-238 molecules by gaseous diffusion due to difference in their atomic masses.