(a) Explain: (i) Fusion. (ii) Fission.
(b) State three advantages of fusion over fission in the generation of power
(c) Calculate in joules, the binding energy for
\(\frac{59}{27}\) Co
(Atomic mass of \(^{59}_{2} Co\) = 58.9332 u)
(Mass of proton = 1.00783u)
(Mass of neutron = 1.00867 u)
(Unified atomic mass unit, U = 931 MeV)
(1 eV = 1.6 x 10\(^{-19}\) J)
Verified Correct Answer: .
Physical Principles & Numerical Solution
(a)(i) Fusion is the coming together of two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus with the release of large amount of energy
\(^2_1H + ^3_1H \to ^4_2He\) + energy
(ii) Fission is the breaking up of heavy nucleus into two nuclei of comparable masses when bombarded with neutrons releasing energy and neutrons in the process.
\(^{235}_{92}U + ^1_0n \to ^{90}_{36}kr + ^{144}_{56}Ba + 2^1_0H + energy)\)
(b) - Binding materials are cheap and easy to come by
- it produces less dangerous products.
- There is no e mass of hydrogen that can be obtained
(c) Bonding energy = Mass of (Protons + neutron) - atomis mass = 27(1.00783u) + 32(1.00867u) - 58.93332 u
= 27.21121u + 32.27744u - 58.9332 u
= 59.48865 u - 58.9332 u
= 0.55545 u
= 0.55545 x 931 MeV = 517.12 x 10\(^6\) eV
= 517.12 x 10\(^6\) x 1.6 x 10\(^{19}\) J
= 8.27 x 10\(^{-11}\)J.
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #54680)