Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 31 - Nuclear Energy; Effects and Uses of Radiation - Questions - Page 909: 10

Answer

Highly enriched uranium can continue fission even in regular water.

Work Step by Step

For a chain reaction to occur, the emitted neutrons from fission events must be slowed down, allowing them to be captured by other uranium nuclei. Ordinary water does not moderate neutrons as well as heavy water does. However, when the uranium is highly enriched, even ordinary water will do fine because there are many more fissionable nuclei that are available to prolong the chain reaction.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.