U-235 Chain Reaction: Exploring Nuclear Fission

In summary, U-235 was a German U-boat that sank twice during World War II. After being raised and repaired, it was reassigned to a different flotilla before its second sinking. It was not a very successful boat. Additionally, if U-235 had collided with U-233 and U-238, it could have reached critical mass. However, the bomb shown in the video was not based on U-235, but on Pu-239.
  • #1
KingGambit
42
29
Today I learned that U 235 is not a German Uboat

 
  • Like
Likes Drakkith
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Neither is U2

:DD

##\ ##
 
  • Like
  • Haha
Likes KingGambit, berkeman and Vanadium 50
  • #3
Actually U-235 was an U-boat. It sank twice.
 
  • Like
Likes BillTre and KingGambit
  • #4
Borek said:
Actually U-235 was an U-boat. It sank twice.
Wow, Sir. You are a real historian.
 
  • #5
Borek said:
It sank twice.
Story, please? (It was sunk by its own navy, I know.)
 
  • #6
Vanadium 50 said:
Story, please? (It was sunk by its own navy, I know.)

Just from wiki: After training with the 5th U-boat Flotilla at Kiel, U-235 was transferred to the 22nd flotilla on 29 October 1943, following her sinking in May by US bombs in Kiel. She had been raised, repaired and returned to service. She was reassigned to the 31st U-boat Flotilla on 2 April 1945, less than two weeks before her second sinking.
 
  • #7
Anyone can google, @Vanadium 50 !
It wasn't a very successful boat :
1619110234400.png


##\ ##
 
  • #8
So if U-235 accidentally collided with U-233 they could have reached critical mass!

And if U-238 had been involved as well this would have become the (P)U-239 ☢️
 
  • Sad
  • Like
Likes hutchphd and KingGambit
  • #9
KingGambit said:
Today I learned that U 235 is not a German Uboat


Unfortunately for the video's accuracy sake, the image of the bomb in the video is the Fat Man bomb, which was [itex] ^{239}\mathrm{Pu} [/itex] based (not [itex] ^{235}\mathrm{U} [/itex]).
 

FAQ: U-235 Chain Reaction: Exploring Nuclear Fission

What is a U-235 chain reaction?

A U-235 chain reaction is a process in which the nucleus of a U-235 atom splits into two smaller nuclei, releasing energy and neutrons. These neutrons can then go on to split other U-235 nuclei, creating a chain reaction.

How does nuclear fission occur in a U-235 chain reaction?

Nuclear fission in a U-235 chain reaction occurs when a neutron collides with a U-235 nucleus, causing it to become unstable and split into two smaller nuclei. This process also releases additional neutrons, which can go on to split other U-235 nuclei, creating a chain reaction.

What are the potential dangers of a U-235 chain reaction?

The potential dangers of a U-235 chain reaction include the release of large amounts of energy, which can lead to explosions and radiation exposure. If not properly controlled, a U-235 chain reaction can also result in a nuclear meltdown.

How is a U-235 chain reaction controlled?

A U-235 chain reaction is controlled through the use of control rods, which absorb excess neutrons and slow down the reaction. The amount of control rods inserted into the reactor can be adjusted to regulate the rate of the chain reaction.

What are the practical applications of a U-235 chain reaction?

The practical applications of a U-235 chain reaction include the generation of electricity in nuclear power plants and the production of nuclear weapons. It can also be used for medical purposes, such as cancer treatment through radiation therapy.

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Back
Top