Concept explainers
(a)
Calculate the energy in kWh released by the fission of
(a)
Answer to Problem 34P
Energy released is
Explanation of Solution
Write the equation to find the number of Pu nuclei in one kilogram.
Here,
Write the equation to find the energy released.
Here,
Conclusion:
Substitute
Substitute
Thus, the energy released is
(b)
Energy in MeV in D-T fusion.
(b)
Answer to Problem 34P
Energy released is
Explanation of Solution
Write the equation for mass-energy equivalence.
Here,
Write the equation for
Rewrite the equation for
Conclusion:
Substitute
Thus, the energy released is
(c)
Energy in kWh released during in deuterium fusion.
(c)
Answer to Problem 34P
Energy released is
Explanation of Solution
Write the equation to find the energy released in deuterium fusion.
Here,
Write the equation to find
Here,
Rewrite the equation for
Conclusion:
Substitute
Thus, the energy released is
(d)
Energy released in the combustion process.
(d)
Answer to Problem 34P
Energy released is
Explanation of Solution
Write the equation to find the energy released during the combustion.
Here,
Write the equation to find
Here,
Rewrite the equation for
Conclusion:
Substitute
Thus, the energy released is
(e)
Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear fission, fusion and the combustion.
(e)
Answer to Problem 34P
Nuclear fission uses only less fuel, but produce radioactive pollutants, fusion gives clean and safe energy, but technology is insufficient and in case of combustion, method is cheap and no series safety issues, but air pollution is severe.
Explanation of Solution
The advantage of nuclear fission process is that energy can be constructed without less environmental damage compared to that of working of a hydrothermal power generation. Another point is that it uses only very less amount of fuel. But it accompanies certain disadvantages too. First one is that it produces radioactive pollutants. It is a very risky challenge to properly dispose it. Another point is that the fuel must be highly purified.
Nuclear fusion is process which requires temperatures of order of million kelvins. Current technology is insufficient to produce energy using fusion. Moreover, plant production cost must be very high than nuclear fission power plants. Also, it requires lithium and helium s fuel for superconducting magnets. Both are very rare resources. It accompanies also huge thermal pollution. But safety wise and pollution, fusion is far better than other processes.
Combustion is a cheap way of energy production and safety is not a serious issue. The main disadvantage is the heavy air pollution.
Thus, nuclear fission uses only less fuel, but produce radioactive pollutants, fusion gives clean and safe energy, but technology is insufficient and in case of combustion, method is cheap and no series safety issues, but air pollution is severe.
Conclusion:
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Chapter 14 Solutions
Modern Physics
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