Which reaction takes place in a nuclear fission reactor?

takes place in a nuclear fission reactor.

Further Explanation:

The transformation of one nuclide into another is known as a nuclear reaction. There are four main types of nuclear reactions which are mentioned below:

1. Nuclear fission

It is a type of nuclear reaction where the nucleus of an atom breaks down into smaller and lighter nuclei. In this reaction, neutrons and protons are produced and a large amount of energy is released. These reactions are used to produce electrical power with the help of uranium as their nuclear fuel.

2. Nuclear fusion

The nuclear reaction in which two or more atomic nuclei combine to form one or more nuclei is known as nuclear fusion. In these reactions, energy is to be provided and therefore such reactions are endothermic in nature.

3. Nuclear decay

This process occurs when an unstable nucleus stabilizes itself by releasing energy in the form of various particles like alpha, beta and gamma particles.

4. Transmutation

It is just the opposite of nuclear decay. In this, one element gets converted into another by the bombardment of high energy radiations.

A nuclear reactor is an equipment that is used to initiate and control the nuclear chain reactions. These are used in electricity generation and nuclear marine propulsion. The nuclear fission reactor controls the nuclear fission reactions that release a large amount of energy. A chain reaction is a process where the released neutrons produce further fission in any other nucleus. This nucleus then generates neutrons and the same process goes on repeating. Such processes can either be controlled or uncontrolled.

Consider the nuclear fission reaction of uranium-235. When neutrons are bombarded on uranium-235, it breaks down into two new atoms and three neutrons are released with a large amount of energy. These three neutrons can again attack uranium-235 and this reaction keeps on continuing. Therefore chain reactions occur in a nuclear fission reactor.

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Answer details:

Grade: Senior School

Chapter: Nuclear chemistry

Subject: Chemistry

Keywords: nuclear reaction, nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, transmutation, nuclear decay, nuclear reactor, chain reactions, uranium-235, neutrons.