How does spontaneous fission work?
Question:
How does spontaneous fission work?
Spontaneous Fission:
Spontaneous fission comprises a type of radioactive decay in which the nucleus of an atom breaks into 2 smaller nuclei and a single or more neutron. Frequently, spontaneous fission is most common in atoms having atomic numbers greater than 90. Excluding the heaviest isotopes, spontaneous fission is a sluggish process.
Answer and Explanation: 1
In 1941The Russian physicists, K.A. Petrzhak and G.N. Flerov observed spontaneous fission in uranium-238, and it is observed in numerous nuclear species with mass numbers of 230 or higher. Spontaneous fission incorporates a form of radioactive decay whereby specific volatile nuclei of heavier materials divide into two approximately equal fragments with lighter nuclei and release a considerable quantity of energy.
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from
Chapter 12 / Lesson 8Spontaneous reactions are processes that occur on their own without any outside interference. Review the definition of the spontaneous process, explore concepts such as enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy, and learn how to predict a spontaneous reaction.