Which of the following isotopes is normally fissionable?
Correct answer: C. U-233
- A. U-238
- B. Np-239
- C. U-233
- D. He-4
Explanation
Uranium-233 (U-233) is indeed fissionable and can undergo nuclear fission reactions. U-233 is a fissile isotope, meaning it can sustain a nuclear fission chain reaction. When bombarded with neutrons, U-233 nuclei can split into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a significant amount of energy along with additional neutrons. This process is known as nuclear fission.U-233 can be produced artificially by irradiating thorium-232 (Th-232) with neutrons. Th-232, which is naturally abundant, absorbs a neutron and undergoes a series of nuclear reactions, eventually transforming into U-233.
Last updated
About Nuclear Physics
Atomic nuclei contain protons and neutrons, with nuclear size, mass defect and binding energy describing their stability. The work covers alpha, beta and gamma decay, decay equations, half-life and decay rate, along with radiation safety and medical applications such as imaging, radiotherapy and tracers.
Practise Nuclear Physics
1,254 free Nuclear Physics MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Exams that ask Physics questions like this
Physics is on 13 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.