45. NUCLEAR MEDICINE: SPONTANEOUS FISSION Flashcards
1
Q
- How can nuclei with very large atomic mass numbers disintegrate?
A
- they can split into two nearly equal fission fragments
- this usually happens to nuclei that have atomic masses
greater than 92
2
Q
- What does Spontaneous Fission (SF) result in?
A
- the spontaneous emission of 2-4 neutrons
- there is a significant amount of energy released
3
Q
- What kind of process does Spontaneous Fission follow?
A
- the same process as Neutron-induced Nuclear fission
- Spontaneous Fission is not self-sustaining
- it occurs in Radioactive Nuclei
4
Q
- List 4 elements that experience Spontaneous Fission?
A
- Thorium
- Protactinium
- Uranium
- Transuranic Elements
(these are the elements higher than Uranium)
( they have an atomic number greater than 92)
5
Q
- What kinds of elements are Transuranic Elements?
A
- they are man-made
- they are synthesised in Nuclear Reactions
6
Q
- What process does Spontaneous Fission compete with?
A
- Alpha Decay
7
Q
- What happens to elements that have an atomic mass number above Uranium (A=238)?
A
THE HIGHER THIS ATOMIC MASS NUMBER:
- the more prominent the Spontaneous Fission
- the shorter the half life
8
Q
- How does Spontaneous Fission act as a limiting factor?
A
IT ACTS AS A LIMITING FACTOR:
- in how high the atomic number of an element can go
- in how high the atomic mass number can go
- in terms of producing new elements