Protons (as opposed to neutrons) to mediate nuclear fission? I am

ureji1c8r1

ureji1c8r1

Answered question

2022-05-13

Protons (as opposed to neutrons) to mediate nuclear fission?
I am just wondering why are protons (as opposed to neutrons) not used to mediate nuclear fission? Is it because it is charged, so we will have to input more unnecessary energy to overcome the Coulomb force?

Answer & Explanation

empatteMattmkezo

empatteMattmkezo

Beginner2022-05-14Added 22 answers

I presume you are referring to process of nuclear fission of uranium-235, which has the equation:
0 1 n +     92 235 U     92 236 U
However, a subsequent reaction is:
    92 236 U     56 144 Ba + 36 89 Kr + 3 0 1 n
The production of neutrons is a feature of fission reactions, and they can be used to collide with other nuclei of uranium-235 producing more fission, energy and neutrons. The reaction is thus self-sustaining.

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