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Because slow neutrons are the most efficient way to cause U235 to fission. The U235 nucleus is said to have a large cross section for the capture of slow neutrons, much larger than for fast neutrons.

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15y ago
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6mo ago

Fast neutrons are less efficient in causing fission reactions compared to thermal neutrons because they have higher energy and tend to bounce off nuclei rather than being absorbed. This makes it harder to sustain a chain reaction in a reactor. Additionally, fast neutrons produce more radioactive waste and have higher chances of causing undesirable side reactions in the reactor.

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12y ago

If the question is how are nuetrons seperated in the first place, then it is due to an imbalence in the nucleas causing fission where as (depending on circumstances and decay type) fire off a nuetron, or the substance absorbs it and ballences itself accordingly- beta, gamma, positron e.c.t.

If the question is how to slow it once released then it is like that of a moderator in a nuclear reactor/ by having it continuously 'hit' other (ushally smaller yet sodium, graphite and heavy water are common) nuclei it slows its kenetic energy, ushally to about 1 EV/ 2 kms^(-1) depending on size (gazillions of variabilitys but you get the gist).

Source: Physics Student.

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11y ago

The crosssection for neutron capture by uranium-238 is very high for fast neutrons but low for slow neutrons. Each neutron captured by uranium-238 is one less to fission uranium-235.

A reactor can work on fast neutrons, but then it needs most of the uranium-238 removed. That means it has to use weapons grade uranium.

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14y ago

Breeder reactors do use fast neutrons, but they have no moderator and must use highly enriched uranium ( > 20% Uranium-235).

Also bombs use fast neutrons.

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14y ago

Neutrons are small, and fast, they split the nucleus of the atom, therefore releasing massive amounts of energy.

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11y ago

Only neutron is used for nuclear fission because neutrons are neutrally charged particles and hence can hit the positively charged nuclei more conveniently.

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11y ago

different properties of the isotopes.

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Q: Why not fast neutron use in fission?
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Related questions

Why you use slow neutrons instead of fast neutrons in nuclear reaction?

in reacter U-235 fission is due to slow neutrons because in reacter the probability of fission from fast neutron is approximatly zero.


Why fission cannot take place with fast neutron?

In order to cause an atomic nucleus to become unstable so that it will undergo fission, you have to add a neutron. If a slow neutron collides with an atomic nucleus, it will be absorbed into the nucleus and become part of it. The nuclear attraction of the nucleus is strong enough to grab a slow neutron. But a fast neutron cannot be captured because it has too much kinetic energy. The attraction of the nucleus is not enough to stop the motion of a fast neutron. Even if a fast neutron makes a direct hit on an atomic nucleus, it is just going to bounce off.


Fast neutron detection by helium 3 ionization chamber?

Helium-3 ionization chambers are commonly used for fast neutron detection due to their high sensitivity and low threshold energy for neutron detection. When fast neutrons interact with helium-3 gas, they produce high-energy protons and tritium through a nuclear reaction, generating a detectable ionization signal in the chamber. This detection method is widely used in nuclear physics, security screening, and environmental monitoring applications.


In a nuclear fission reaction a freely moving neutron?

In a nuclear fission reaction, a freely moving neutron undergoes neutron capture and initiates the nuclear fission of a fuel atom.


What does thermal indicates in thermal neutrons?

A thermal neutron has much less energy / velocity than a fast neutron. As a result, it has a much larger neutron absorption cross section, making it easier for it to be absorbed by certain nuclei and subsequently initiate fission. The fast neutrons that result from fission are slowed down, i.e. moderated, usually by water, in order to become thermal neutrons and to sustain the fission chain reaction.


What do you use to split a uranium nucleus in nuclear fission?

To split a uranium nucleus in nuclear fission, you typically use a neutron to initiate the reaction. When a neutron collides with a uranium nucleus, it can cause the nucleus to split into two smaller nuclei, along with releasing additional neutrons and a large amount of energy.


What is the bullet that starts a fission reaction?

The bullet that starts a fission reaction is a neutron. When a neutron collides with the nucleus of a fissile isotope, such as uranium-235, it can induce the nucleus to undergo fission, releasing more neutrons and a large amount of energy.


What is fission cross section in nuclear reactor?

The fission cross section in a nuclear reactor is a measure of the probability that a neutron will induce fission in a particular nucleus. It is a crucial parameter for determining the neutron flux and reaction rates within the reactor core. Different isotopes have different fission cross sections depending on their ability to undergo fission when struck by a neutron.


What has the author John Gary Owen written?

John Gary Owen has written: 'The calibration and use of a helium-3 spectrometer to measure delayed neutron spectra following neutron-induced fission of uranium-235 at several fission energies'


What helps control the fission reaction in a nuclear plant?

The fission reaction is controlled through use of high neutron capture material as Boron, Gadolinium, Cadmium, ... etc.


Is used in nuclear fission?

all you need in nuclear fission is a large element (235Uranium) and a neutron, the neutron goes into the Uranium causeing it to split into smaller parts grapes.


What is the effect of slow neutron on nuclear reactions?

Slow neutrons are more likely to be absorbed by nuclei in nuclear reactions compared to fast neutrons. This absorption increases the probability of inducing fission in heavy nuclei or capturing the neutron to form a new isotope. Slow neutrons are commonly used in nuclear reactors to sustain and control nuclear fission reactions.