C. What is the average energy released per fission event in this chain reaction?

AI Thread Summary
The fission reaction of uranium-235 produces 170 MeV of kinetic energy per event. To determine the number of fission events required to generate 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy, calculations can be performed based on this energy output. The discussion also addresses the number of neutrons produced in the chain reaction, with a clarification that the net change in free neutrons should be considered rather than simply exponentiating the number of reactions. It is emphasized that each fission event produces three neutrons, but the net count must account for any neutrons consumed in subsequent reactions. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for accurate calculations in nuclear fission processes.
pooka
Messages
41
Reaction score
0
The fission reaction n + 235U → 236U* → 141Ba + 92Kr + 3n produced 170 MeV of kinetic
energy.

A. How many of these fission events are needed to produce energy of 1 kilowatt- hour (kWh), that is, the energy it takes to run your blow dryer for an hour?

B. How many neutrons are produced in this chain reaction process?

I know how to do A. I was just wondering how to do part B. Is it just: 3^(# of reactions needed)?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Why do you want to exponentiate that?
And are you sure that in the end, you have 3 neutrons left for each reaction?
 
For part B, you need to give the net change in the number of free neutrons.
 
If you don't see why it shouldn't be 3, take a look at dynamicsolo's signature :smile:
 
Thanks guys!
 
Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'

Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'

TL;DR Summary: I would like to know the voltmeter readings on the two resistors separately in the picture in the following cases , When one of the keys is closed When both of them are opened (Knowing that the battery has negligible internal resistance) My thoughts for the first case , one of them must be 12 volt while the other is 0 The second case we'll I think both voltmeter readings should be 12 volt since they are both parallel to the battery and they involve the key within what the...
View full post »
Thread 'Correct statement about a reservoir with an outlet pipe'

Thread 'Correct statement about a reservoir with an outlet pipe'

The answer to this question is statements (ii) and (iv) are correct. (i) This is FALSE because the speed of water in the tap is greater than speed at the water surface (ii) I don't even understand this statement. What does the "seal" part have to do with water flowing out? Won't the water still flow out through the tap until the tank is empty whether the reservoir is sealed or not? (iii) In my opinion, this statement would be correct. Increasing the gravitational potential energy of the...
View full post »

Similar threads

A Nuclear Reaction: Determining the velocity of neutrons
Replies
3
Views
2K
Energy of neutron in fission reaction
Replies
15
Views
2K
Electrons and their little role in nuclear physics
Replies
1
Views
2K
Reactor fuel and waste: fission/fusion problem
Replies
2
Views
3K
Calculating Energy Released from Uranium Fission
Replies
3
Views
2K
What Is the Q-Value of Pu-239 Fission into Sr-92, He-4, and Neutrons?
Replies
27
Views
6K
Fission Reaction: How Many Neutrons Needed for Chain Reaction?
Replies
3
Views
1K
I Questions about the energy released by nuclear fission
Replies
4
Views
2K
I Fission of 238U with high energy neutrons & other questions
Replies
12
Views
2K
Calculating energy released by fission.
Replies
2
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top