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Each isotope has a different critical mass. U235 is used because the mass needed to cause a reaction is smaller than almost all other isotopes. This critical mass is calculated as( 3.001 x 9.987 to the 11th power) Divided by the weight of one nuclei X 2.5675 (x 10 to the 24th power) divided by mass. This equals 7.702 X 10 to the 13th power divided by mass. You can tell by this calculation that critical mass for u235 is very low at about 1.3 kg.

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βˆ™ 13y ago
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βˆ™ 5mo ago

The critical mass of uranium-238 is approximately 50 kilograms. However, the actual critical mass can vary depending on the geometry, enrichment level, and surrounding materials of the uranium.

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βˆ™ 15y ago

Uranium-238 does not have a critical mass. You can stack up as much as you like and it will not go critical. It is its "little brother" that we know as U-235 that is fissile.

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βˆ™ 15y ago

The Atomic Mass of uranium 235 is 235,043 929 918 ± 0,000 001 957.

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βˆ™ 13y ago

approx. 15 kg.

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βˆ™ 16y ago

About 50kg

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Q: What is the critical mass of uranium-238?
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