What does each of the following terms mean? (a) thermal neutron (b) nuclear fission (c) fissile isotope

Welding: Principles and Applications (MindTap Course List)
8th Edition
ISBN:9781305494695
Author:Larry Jeffus
Publisher:Larry Jeffus
Chapter26: Welding Metallurgy
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 3R: What are the basic units of measure for heat?
icon
Related questions
Question
What does each of the following terms mean? (a) thermal neutron (b) nuclear fission (c) fissile isotope
Expert Solution
Step 1

a)

thermal neutron is any free neutron (one that is not bound within an atomic nucleus) that has an average energy of motion (kinetic energy, of about 0.025 eV (about 4.0×1021 J or 2.4 MJ/kg,) corresponding to the average energy of the particles of the ambient materials. 
Step 2
(b) nuclear fission 
Fission is the splitting of an atomic nucleus into two or more lighter nuclei accompanied by energy release, Nuclear fission is a process where the nucleus of an atom is split into two or more smaller nuclei, known as fission products.In order to initiate most fission reactions, an atom is bombarded by a neutron to produce an unstable isotope, which undergoes fission. . For example, the fission of one kilogram of uranium releases as much energy as burning around four billion kilograms of coal.
 
steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Dimensional Analysis
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, mechanical-engineering and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Welding: Principles and Applications (MindTap Cou…
Welding: Principles and Applications (MindTap Cou…
Mechanical Engineering
ISBN:
9781305494695
Author:
Larry Jeffus
Publisher:
Cengage Learning