Physics
Chapter 31: 1-4 Assignment
Homework
Nuclear Fission and Fusion
Homework
- Reading Preparation
- Key Equations
- WebLecture
- Study Activity
- Chat Preparation Activities
- Chapter Quiz
- Lab Work
Reading Preparation
Text Reading: Giancoli, Physics - Principles with Applications, Chapter 31: Sections 1 to 4
Study Points
- 31: 1 Nuclear reactions represent transmutation of the elements since the resulting products are different elements from the reacting atoms. Fermi predicted that transmutation could be stimulated by bombarding nuclei with neutrons.
- 31: 2 Hahn and Strassman realized that uranium bombarded by neutrons produced roughly equal nuclei, splitting the atom (fission) rather than stimulating radioactivity. The fission reaction released high energy neutrons which could then split other nuclei, creating a chain reaction if the material was sufficiently dense. Unchecked, a chain reaction produces a nuclear explosion. Held in check by control rods which absorb excess neutrons, the fission reaction can be supported at a long-term controlled rate. Nuclear reactor accidents at Three Mile Island and Chernobyl, as well as difficulties disposing of radioactive waste from reactors, have slowed the spread of reactors as energy sources; however, European dependence on nuclear power is significant.
- 31: 3 Nuclear fusion (putting neutrons and protons together to form larger nuclei) is a cleaner reaction, but more difficult to start, support, and control. Fusion is the source of stellar power. Attempts to create sustained nuclear fusion so far have been unsuccessful, although several theories are under investigation.
- 31: 4 High energy photons and particles emitted by radioactivity can strip electrons from atoms, creating ions and causing cell damage.
- 31: 5 Monitoring exposure to radioactivity involves dosimetry, counting the number if disintegrations per seconds of exposure. Various devices are used by nuclear physicists, HAZMAT workers, or other officials to monitor exposure.
Key Equations
| Principle | Equation | Variables |
|---|---|---|
| Q-value or nuclear reaction energy | Reaction: a + X → Y + b Q = KEb + KEY - KEa - KEX Q = (mb + mY - ma - mX)c2 | Q: net energy change X: initial nucleus Y: final nucleus a:projectile particle b: emitted particle |
| Uranium Fission (general) |
Example | U: uranium isotopes X1 and X2: fission fragments |
| Hydrogen fusion Two-step process | H: hydrogen He: Helium e+: positron γ: gamma radiation | |
Web Lecture
Read the following weblecture before chat: Fission and Fusion Reactions
Study Activity
Use the FLASH simulation for the proton-proton fusion reaction at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Astronomy lab to see how the sun uses hydrogen fusion to produce helium.
Chat Preparation Activities
- Forum question: The Moodle forum for the session will assign a specific study question for you to prepare for chat. You need to read this question and post your answer before chat starts for this session.
- Mastery Exercise: The Moodle Mastery exercise for the chapter will contain sections related to our chat topic. Try to complete these before the chat starts, so that you can ask questions.
Chapter Quiz
- The chapter quiz is not yet due.
Lab Work
If you want lab credit for this course, you must complete at least 18 labs; you may complete more if you are preparing for the AP exam.. One or more lab exercises are posted for each chapter as part of the homework assignment. We will be reviewing lab work at regular intervals, so do not get behind!
- Lab Instructions: Hadron Collider
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