Physics - Nuclear Fission reaction explained - Physics

Summary

This video explores nuclear fission, highlighting how unstable isotopes like uranium-235 undergo a process that releases immense energy. When uranium-235 is bombarded with neutrons, it forms an unstable compound nucleus, uranium-236, which splits into stable nuclei—barium-141 and krypton-92—while emitting additional neutrons and energy. This chain reaction can produce vast amounts of energy, essential for both nuclear bombs and reactors. The discussion emphasizes the significance of nuclear fission in energy production, setting the stage for further exploration of its applications.

Takeaways

• ⚛️ Nuclear fission involves the splitting of unstable radioactive nuclei, releasing significant energy.
• 💡 Isotopes like uranium-238 and uranium-235 are key players in natural radioactivity and nuclear fission.
• ⚡ The disintegration of uranium isotopes converts them into stable lead while emitting 1 to 5 mega electron volts of energy.
• 🔬 In 1939, Otto Hahn discovered that splitting uranium-235 releases 200 million times the energy of the neutron that triggered it.
• 🔄 Nuclear fission occurs when uranium-235 is bombarded with neutrons, forming an unstable compound nucleus, uranium-236.
• 🧪 The fission of uranium-236 produces barium-141 and krypton-92, totaling 92 protons, which maintains atomic balance.
• 🔄 Uranium-236 also releases three neutrons during fission, which can initiate further reactions, leading to a chain reaction.
• 📈 The chain reaction results in exponentially high energy release from a single fission event.
• 💣 Nuclear fission is not only vital for nuclear bombs but also for nuclear reactors, which provide energy efficiently.
• 🔍 Understanding nuclear fission is crucial for exploring its applications in energy production and weapons technology.

Q & A

What is nuclear fission?

Nuclear fission is the process of splitting heavy atomic nuclei, such as uranium-235, into two smaller nuclei, releasing a significant amount of energy.

What isotopes of uranium are mentioned in the video?

The video mentions uranium-238 and uranium-235 as isotopes that can undergo fission.

Who discovered nuclear fission and in what year?

Nuclear fission was discovered in 1939 by German scientist Otto Hahn, along with his colleagues Lise Meitner and Fritz Strassmann.

What happens when uranium-235 is bombarded with neutrons?

When uranium-235 is bombarded with neutrons, it absorbs a neutron and forms an unstable compound nucleus, uranium-236, which then undergoes fission.

What are the products of the fission of uranium-236?

The fission of uranium-236 results in the production of barium-141 and krypton-92, along with three emitted neutrons and a large amount of energy.

How many neutrons are emitted during the fission of uranium-236?

During the fission of uranium-236, three neutrons are emitted.

What role do the emitted neutrons play in nuclear fission?

The emitted neutrons can be absorbed by other uranium-235 nuclei, which can trigger further fission reactions, leading to a chain reaction.

How is the energy released in nuclear fission quantified?

The energy released during nuclear fission is quantified in the range of one to five mega electron volts (MeV) per reaction, and can be much higher in certain cases.

What are the practical applications of nuclear fission mentioned?

Nuclear fission is primarily known for its role in nuclear bombs, but it is also crucial for the operation of nuclear reactors, which provide large amounts of energy.

What is the significance of the chemical equation mentioned in the video?

The chemical equation illustrates the nuclear fission process, showing how one neutron initiates the fission of uranium-235, leading to the formation of stable nuclei and the release of energy.