Ask your own question, for FREE!
Physics 10 Online
OpenStudy (anonymous):

question about nuclear power

OpenStudy (anonymous):

I want to build an nuclear reactor like the one from iron man not a prototype piece of pellet look a like that makes it look good no, i want an actual working nuclear reactor the problem i have is where do i start on making it? and what can cause a nuclear reaction?

OpenStudy (unklerhaukus):

danger

OpenStudy (anonymous):

Nuclear reactions are caused when nucleus of 2 or more suitable atoms come close together at the the same time. We are talking about closeness of 10^-15 m. This requires extreme pressures which are usually found in the interiors of a star. The other way is to give the particles gigantic velocities which would give them enough energy to get past the electro repulsive forces (the coulomb barrier). so you have to excite the particles to huge velocities and then also take care that enough cross-section is available for reactions. Oh and you have to also take care that the reaction does not become a chain reaction and you end up blowing us all away. All this provided you can actually get hold of the right materials in case you are trying to do fission reaction. If you are thinking of doing fusion, make sure you do a controlled one :P you have watched Ironman. now may be watch spiderman-2 again :)

OpenStudy (anonymous):

Nukes go BOOM.

Can't find your answer? Make a FREE account and ask your own questions, OR help others and earn volunteer hours!

Join our real-time social learning platform and learn together with your friends!
Can't find your answer? Make a FREE account and ask your own questions, OR help others and earn volunteer hours!

Join our real-time social learning platform and learn together with your friends!