Q. 5.42 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

How does a chain reaction occur in nuclear fission?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The fission reaction is ${}^{233}U$.

Step 1: Introduction

The nuclear fission of each ${}^{235}U$ atom creates three neutrons, which trigger the nuclear fission of more and more ${}^{233}U$ atoms in a nuclear chain reaction. The following is a diagram of the chain reaction:

Step 2: Explanation