5.4 Understanding Nuclear Energy: Atomic Mass Unit (A.m.u)

5.
4 UNDERSTANDING NUCLEAR ENERGY
Atomic Mass Unit (a.m.u)

The atomic mass unit (a.m.u) is used to measure the masses of atomic particles.
It is defined as :
1 a.m.u is 12/1of the mass of the carbon-12 atom.
Since the mass of one carbon-12 atom is 1.992646547 10 23
1 a.m.u=1.67377 x 10 -27
Nuclear energy
1. In a radioactive decay, one element changes into another in a process called transmutation.
2. The mass of the daughter particles are less than that of the parent particle. This difference in
mass is called mass defect or mass loss.
[Mass defect =Mass of parent particle total mass of daughter particles and other particles produced ]
3. Mass defect is the missing mass in a nuclear reaction and the missing mass will turn into
thermal energy and kinetic energy of the product particles.
4. The mass lost is converted into energy.
5. Einstein's formula (Einstein's Principle of Mass Energy Conservation) can be used to

calculate the amount of nuclear energy released from the defect of the mass in a radioactive
decay or nuclear reaction.
Einstein Formula
m = mass change, in kg
c = speed of light, in m s-1
E = energy changed, in J
Nuclear Fission
Nuclear fission is the splitting of a heavy nucleus into two or more lighter nuclei
Fission occurs when the nucleus of an atom is bombarded with a neutron.
The energy of the neutron causes the target nucleus to split into two (or more) nuclei that
are lighter than the parent nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy during the process.
Nuclei that undergo fission without intial neutron absorption are undergoing
spontaneous fission.
Two typical examples of fission reactions :

Nuclear Fusion
Nuclear fusion is the combining of two lighter nuclei to form a heavier nucleus,
releasing a vast amount of energy during the process.

Nuclear fusion is believed to be the process by which energy is released by the Sun.
When two hydrogen-2 nuclei moving at high speeds collide, they can join together to
produce heavier nucleus. A large amount of energy is released.

A hydrogen bomb uses the principle of nuclear fusion for its design.
Chain Reaction
In the fission reactions, one neutron starts the fission process, but three neutrons are produced.
If one of these neutrons bombards another uranium-235 nucleus then more fissions will occur,
releasing more neutrons. A chain reaction is produced.
A chain reactionis a self-sustaining reaction in which the products of a reaction can initiate
another similar reaction.
As uranium atoms continue to split, a significant amount of energyis released during each
reaction. The heat released is harnessed and used to generate electrical energy
A controlled chain reaction take place with a steady release of energy and it is used in
nuclear power stations
An uncontrolled chain reaction take place with a huge amount of energy being released in a
short span of time and it is used in nuclear bombs.
In order for a chain reaction to occur, the sample of uranium must have a certain minimum
mass known as critical mass.If the material is less than this value .too many nuetrons ecape
without hitting any nuclei, preventing a chain reaction from happening.The critical mass of a
uranium sample is also affected by its shape.
Nuclear Reactor
Electricity can be generated from the energy released by fission reactions. A nuclear power
station consists of a nuclear reactor and a generator.
It produces tremendous amount of energy through nuclear fission.
Uranium fuel rods
The nuclei are split by neutrons in a controlled chain reaction, releasing a large amount of energy.
The energy released heats up the cold gas that passes through the reactor core.
Graphite moderate
Acts as a moderator to slowdown the fast neutrons produced by the fission. Slower neutrons are
more readily captured by the uranium nuclei.
Boron or cadmium control rod
The boron control rods absorb neutrons. It can control the rate of fission reaction. When rods are
lowered into the reactor core to absorb some of the neutrons, the rate of the fission reaction
reduced.
Concrete shield
Prevents leakage of radiation from the reactor core.
Coolant
Take away the heat from the nuclear reactor. Substances with high specific heat capacity such as
water and carbon dioxide are used.
Heat exchanger
Heat energy from the very hot gas is used to boil the water into steam .
Turbines
The turbines are rotated bythe flow of steam under high pressure
Coil and magnets
The coils are rotated by the turbines. Electricity is generated by electromagnetic induction.
Advantages of using nuclear fission:

Nuclear power costs about the same as coal, so it is not expensive
It does not produce smoke or carbon dioxide. It does not contribute to the greenhouse
effect. It produces less waste than fossil fuels.
It produces huge amounts of energy from small amounts of fuel.
Nuclear power stations needless fuel than stations which use fossil fuels
Vast reserves of nuclear fuel in the world.
Safety procedures in the administration of nuclear reactors are very advanced and safe
Produces useful radioisotopes as by-products that can be used in industry, medicine,
agriculture and research.
Disadvantages of using nuclear fission
The initial cost to design and build a nuclear power station is very high.
There is always a risk of accidents. If a chain reaction goes out of control, explosion or
leakage or large amounts of radioactive substance may happen.
Used fuel rods are very hot and highly radioactive with very long half-lives.
Expensive procedures are required to cool down the rods and store them.
The hot water discharged from the nuclear power stations can cause thermal pollution
People who work in the nuclear power station and those living nearby may be exposed to
excessive

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5.

4 UNDERSTANDING NUCLEAR ENERGY

Atomic Mass Unit (a.m.u)

1 a.m.u is 12/1of the mass of the carbon-12 atom.

Since the mass of one carbon-12 atom is 1.992646547 10 23

4. The mass lost is converted into energy.

5. Einstein's formula (Einstein's Principle of Mass Energy Conservation) can be used to

Two typical examples of fission reactions :

It produces tremendous amount of energy through nuclear fission.

Uranium fuel rods

Boron or cadmium control rod

Prevents leakage of radiation from the reactor core.

Coil and magnets

Advantages of using nuclear fission:

Disadvantages of using nuclear fission

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