How can I explain in theory exactly how this energy is created during a fission and in what forms does this energy occur? Many sources give different names such as ‘heat’, ‘gamma radiation and/or kinetic energy of one or more formed particles’, …
235U+ 1 neutron → 236U (Unstable) → 141Ba + 92Kr + 3 neutrons + energy
Practically speaking, I know that the heat from the fuel rods is passed on and eventually drives a turbine in the form of steam.
But how and what exactly is released during fission? heat and radiation?
Thanks in advance and best regards.
Answer
You can indeed say that heat is released.
How exactly?
The potential energy of the atom before fission (or fusion, in nuclear fusion) is higher than the sum of the potential energies of the fragments. This difference in potential energy is the kinetic energy that the debris gets, and this kinetic energy is what we call heat.
You can consider such a core as a lot of particles that are held together with pulling and pushing springs. The pull and push forces are such that you obtain a stable balance. This is your original atomic nucleus. If you were to cut one of those feathers now, you can imagine that the balance would be disturbed and that the whole thing would shatter. The kinetic energy acquired by the various fragments ultimately comes from the potential energy contained in the tensioned springs.
Answered by
Professor Walter Lauriks
Physics Acoustics
Old Market 13 3000 Leuven
https://www.kuleuven.be/
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