NUCLEAR ENERGY:

FISSION
CONVERSION OF MASS TO
ENERGY = mc2
 Nuclear Fission (1)
• Neutron + Radioactive Heavy Nucleus 
Stable Lighter Nuclei + ENERGY
• 10n + 23592U  14256Ba + 9136Kr + 3 10n
• This is one fission pathway for U-235.
There are nearly 400 fission pathways for
U-235. τ1/2 = 7.04E+8 yrs.
• Sum of mass number and sum of atomic
number must be conserved. Note Ex.17.4
 Nuclear Fission (2)
• 10n + 23592U  14256Ba + 9136Kr + 3 10n
• The 3 product neutrons can induce 3 more
fission reactions. These 3 reactions can
cause 9 more fission reactions. This is
called a Chain Reaction
• If amount of U-235 is large enough (critical
mass = 56 kg), the chain reaction can be
self-sustaining. An external neutron
source is not needed.
 Nuclear Fission (3)
• U-235 is naturally occurring in UO2 ores at
0.7% abundance level. It is the only
isotope of U that can undergo fission.
• In a controlled fission reaction, the energy
(1.68E+10 kJ/mol) produced can be
captured and used for generating
electricity.
• Nuclear power require fuel rods enriched
to 3.0% U-235.
 Nuclear Fission (4)
• If the amt of U-235 is in a small enough
volume, the energy release is so rapid as
to create a nuclear explosion or atomic
bomb.
• Nuclear bombs require the fuel to be
enriched to 90.0% U-235.
 Plutonium - 239
• The most abundant isotope of uranium is U-238
(99.3%). It is not fissionable but is radioactive.
• U-238 in fuel rods absorbs neutrons to form
highly radioactive U-239 which decays to give
highly radioactive Pu-239. (p 639)
• Pu-239 has a long τ1/2 = 2.4E+4 yrs, is
radioactive (emits α particles) and is fissionable.
• Pu-239 is not naturally occurring.
• If enriched to 93%, Pu-239 can be used in an
atomic bomb.
 Nuclear Waste
• Nuclear plant waste is highly radioactive
and must be secured, stored and
monitored.
• The big challenges are: How, where, for
how long?
 Other Issues
• Reprocessing spent fuel to obtain Pu-239.
• The world supply of Pu-239 is growing.
• Breeder reactors maximize production of
Pu-239 to be used for nuclear power
plants instead of U-235.
• Public acceptance of nuclear energy is low