When an isotope absorbs a neutron, it becomes heavier by 1 amu. The nucleus most often decays by beta emission, so the Z increases by 1, and the nucleus becomes a new element. Successive n-capture results in heavier isotopes and new elements.GiTS said:I have a few questions: can heavier elements be made from lighter ones through breeding?
No.GiTS said:Do unstable isotopes of light elements (lighter than lead) give off enough enough energy, when bombarded with nuetrons, to pruduce a coniderable amount of energy?
The atomic density and microscopic fission cross-section, the latter being dependent on the neutron energy.GiTS said:What determines an isotopes critical mass?
Astronuc said:It is not practical to use neutron capture to change elements lighter than U into heavier elements.
Actually, I made a somewhat incorrect or misleading statement here. Th-232 may absorb a neutron to become Th-233, which after two successive beta decays becomes U-233. This reaction is the basis of thermal breeder reactor, in contrast to fast breeder reactor (FBR). It would not be practical to try to make Pu-239 or Am-242 from Th however.It is not practical to use neutron capture to change elements lighter than U into heavier elements.
Fissionable material is any element that is capable of undergoing nuclear fission, the process of splitting an atom's nucleus into smaller fragments. This process releases a large amount of energy, which can be harnessed for various purposes, such as generating electricity. Fissionable material is important because it is the main source of energy for nuclear power plants and weapons.
Unstable isotopes, also known as radioactive isotopes, are the key to nuclear fission. These isotopes have nuclei that are not stable and can break apart easily, releasing energy in the process. This energy is what drives the fission reaction and can be controlled to produce heat for electricity or uncontrolled to create a nuclear explosion.
Critical mass is the minimum amount of fissionable material required to sustain a nuclear chain reaction. If the amount of fissionable material is below the critical mass, the reaction will not continue. However, if it is above the critical mass, the reaction will become self-sustaining. It is important to control the amount of fissionable material to prevent an uncontrolled and potentially dangerous chain reaction.
Yes, some fissionable elements, such as uranium-233 and plutonium-239, can be bred or created through a process called nuclear transmutation. This involves bombarding non-fissionable elements with neutrons to induce a nuclear reaction and create fissionable isotopes. However, this process is complex and expensive, and only a small amount of fissionable material can be bred at a time.
The main benefit of using fissionable material for energy is its high energy density, which means it can produce a large amount of energy using a small amount of material. However, there are also potential risks, such as nuclear accidents and the production of radioactive waste, which can have long-term effects on the environment and human health. It is important to carefully manage and regulate the use of fissionable material to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks.