Problems are listed in approximate order of difficulty. A single dot (•) indicates straightforward problems involving just one main concept and sometimes requiring no more than substitution of numbers in the appropriate formula. Two dots (••) identify problems that are slightly more challenging and usually involve more than one concept. Three dots (•••) indicate problems that are distinctly more challenging, either because they are intrinsically difficult or involve lengthy calculations. Needless to say, these distinctions are hard to draw and are only approximate.
•• If 235U captures a neutron to form 236U in its ground state, the energy released is B(236U) − B(235U). (a) Prove this statement. (b) Use the binding-energy formula (16.30) to estimate the energy released, and compare with the observed value of 6.5 MeV. (Note: We have assumed here that 236U is formed in its ground state, and the 6.5 MeV is carried away, by a photon, for example. An important alternative is that 236U can be formed in an excited state, 6.5 MeV above the ground state. This excitation energy can lead to oscillations that cause the nucleus to fission.)
We need at least 10 more requests to produce the solution.
0 / 10 have requested this problem solution
The more requests, the faster the answer.