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Nuclear fission chain reactions do not naturally occur for a couple of reasons. One reason is that uranium-235 atoms are not found in large concentrations. Engineers counteract this with what process?
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∙ 7y ago
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Enrichment.
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∙ 7y agoNuclear fission takes place when a large, somewhat unstable isotope (atoms with the same number of protons but different number of neutrons) is bombarded by high-speed particles, usually neutrons. These neutrons are accelerated and then slammed into the unstable isotope, causing it to fission, or break into smaller particles. During the process, a neutron is accelerated and strikes the target nucleus, which in the majority of nuclear power reactors today is Uranium-235. This splits the target nucleus and breaks it down into two smaller isotopes (the fission products), three high-speed neutrons, and a large amount of energy in a process called acceleration.
This produces a chain reaction that must be controlled or it will 'run away' causing a major disaster. The reaction is usually controlled by control rods, which are made of a neutron absorbing material, are placed into the core and are literally raised and lowered to tweak the reaction - if you need to generate more heat, you raise the rods out of the core to let more neutrons split more atoms. To curb the reaction, you lower the rods into the core to absorb more of the neutrons before they have a chance to come in contact with the uranium. In emergency cases (like recently in Japan), the rods are automatically shoved into the core using gravity, hydraulics or a mechanical spring, causing the chain reaction to stop. This is called "SCRAMing" the reactor.~ Wondered
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Do nuclear materials occur naturally?
Yes, that is where we get the nuclear material for our reactors, by mining it from the Earth. Though it does not occur in high concentrations, we have to concentrate it ourselves.
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No, uranium is a naturally occurring element found in varying concentrations in soil, rock, and water. It is primarily mined from the Earth's crust.
Does europium occur naturally or is it synthetic?
Europium does occur naturally in low concentrations, but it is mainly produced synthetically due to its scarcity in the Earth's crust. It is commonly used in a variety of applications, such as in phosphors for electronic displays and fluorescent lamps.
Does rain contain calcium?
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Where does bluing agent come from?
Bluing agents used in laundry are synthetic compounds designed to counteract the yellow tint caused by some detergents on white fabrics. These agents are typically made in a laboratory using various chemicals and are not naturally occurring.
Is silver naturally formed?
Yes , it is an element. It is formed naturally and found in various concentrations ranging from pure"veins" to ore's laden with differing concentrations.
What do you used emetic for?
Emetics make one vomit. Naturally, antiemetics counteract nausea and help to prevent vomiting.
How ozone concentrations naturally vary in well-understood patterns?
Ozone is generally spread throughout. It can vary with pressure, temperature and altitudes.
What is the difference in concentrations of a substance between two areas called?
This is called a concentration gradient. It represents the difference in the concentrations of a substance between two regions, with molecules naturally moving from high to low concentration areas to reach equilibrium.
Do nuclear materials occur naturally?
Yes, that is where we get the nuclear material for our reactors, by mining it from the Earth. Though it does not occur in high concentrations, we have to concentrate it ourselves.
Is heat transfer the same as gravity?
No, heart transfer has to do with conduction, convection, and radiation. In all of these actions energy is moving from higher concentrations to lower concentrations. Gravity is just a naturally occurring force in nature... It's origins are to be answered in another question.
What is different about all the elements listed after uranium?
All are radioactive, artificial elements (but note that Np and Pu can exist also naturally in extremely low concentrations).
Is radon gas testing as important as they say?
Radon is a naturally occurring gas which in high concentrations can be extremely hazardous. So it it better to do the testing if you suspect the presence.
Which two actinides occur naturally?
Uranium and thorium are the two actinides that occur naturally in the Earth's crust. They are found in low concentrations and have important roles in various nuclear reactions and processes.
How can additional gases can be added to the air?
Additional gases can be added to the air by releasing them from their current container or confinement. Gases will naturally mix together in various concentrations depending on their composition.
Is uranium synthetic?
No, uranium is a naturally occurring element found in varying concentrations in soil, rock, and water. It is primarily mined from the Earth's crust.
Does europium occur naturally or is it synthetic?
Europium does occur naturally in low concentrations, but it is mainly produced synthetically due to its scarcity in the Earth's crust. It is commonly used in a variety of applications, such as in phosphors for electronic displays and fluorescent lamps.
