Chemical Engineering Basics - Engineering

Q1:

Nuclear fission of one atom of uranium-235 produces the energy equivalent to about __________ MeV.

A 20

B 200

C 500

D 1000

ANS:B - 200

The energy released by the nuclear fission of one atom of uranium-235 is approximately equivalent to about 200 MeV (Million electron volts). Nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction in which the nucleus of a heavy atom, such as uranium-235, splits into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the process. This energy is primarily released in the form of kinetic energy of the fission fragments and in the form of gamma rays and neutrinos. The energy released per fission event can vary, but on average, the energy released by the fission of one atom of uranium-235 is approximately 200 MeV. This energy release is what makes nuclear fission a potent source of energy for power generation in nuclear reactors.