A chain reaction is fission of uranium is possible becausea) ...
Option C is correct. The neutron produced in reaction will be captured by other uranium to carry out the further reaction and like this the chain will continue..
A chain reaction is fission of uranium is possible becausea) ...
Introduction:
A chain reaction in the fission of uranium occurs when the process of one fission reaction triggers subsequent fission reactions. It is possible due to the release of a large amount of energy and the production of intermediate-sized nuclear fragments. However, the most crucial factor that enables a chain reaction is the emission of more than one neutron in each fission event.
Explanation:
- Large amount of energy released: Fission of uranium releases an enormous amount of energy. When a uranium-235 nucleus absorbs a neutron and becomes unstable, it splits into two smaller nuclei called fission fragments. This splitting process releases a significant amount of energy in the form of kinetic energy and gamma radiation.
- Formation of intermediate-sized nuclear fragments: In the fission of uranium, two intermediate-sized nuclear fragments are formed. These fragments have various masses and atomic numbers. The sum of their masses is slightly less than the mass of the uranium nucleus before fission. The energy released during fission is due to the conversion of a small amount of mass into energy, as described by Einstein's famous equation, E=mc^2.
- Emission of more than one neutron: The key factor that enables a chain reaction is the emission of more than one neutron in each fission event. When a uranium-235 nucleus undergoes fission, it typically releases 2-3 neutrons. These neutrons can then collide with other uranium-235 nuclei, causing them to undergo fission as well. This initiates a chain reaction where each fission event leads to multiple subsequent fission events, releasing a large amount of energy.
- Importance of multiple neutrons: The emission of more than one neutron is crucial for sustaining a chain reaction. If only one neutron were emitted in each fission event, the number of fission events would decrease exponentially, and the chain reaction would quickly come to a halt. However, with the release of multiple neutrons, there is a higher probability that at least one neutron will cause another fission event, leading to a self-sustaining chain reaction.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the possibility of a chain reaction in the fission of uranium is primarily due to the emission of more than one neutron in each fission event. This allows for the initiation and continuation of subsequent fission reactions, leading to the release of a large amount of energy. The formation of intermediate-sized nuclear fragments and the release of a substantial amount of energy are also important factors, but without the emission of multiple neutrons, a sustained chain reaction would not be possible.