UNIVERSITY OF THE PUNJAB LAHORE

PAKISTAN

INSTITUTE OF METALLURGY & MATERIALS ENGINEERING

Applied physics
(NSC-123)

Submitted by:
Muhammad Ali Farooq
Roll no :
22.MME.S1.325
Submitted to :
Engr. Faraz Hussain
 UNIVERSITY OF THE PUNJAB LAHORE
PAKISTAN

INSTITUTE OF METALLURGY & MATERIALS ENGINEERING

Contents:

1 Nuclear fission

2 Nuclear fussion

3 Nuclear reactors

4 Medical use of nuclear radiations

 UNIVERSITY OF THE PUNJAB LAHORE
PAKISTAN

INSTITUTE OF METALLURGY & MATERIALS ENGINEERING

Nuclear fission:
Definition:
It is the process of splitting the nucleus of a heavy atom ,such as uranium into
two lighter nuclei while simultaneously releasing a significant quantity of energy.
Example:
When uranium 235- bombarded with a neutron ,it splits into two lighter nuclei
barium and krypton. More neutrons are also released when a uranium atom splits. These
neutrons continue to collide with other uranium atoms, and the process repeats itself over
and over again.
Explanation:
In nuclear fission the nucleus of an atom breaks up into two lighter nuclei. The
process may take place spontaneously in some cases or may be induced by the excitation
of the nucleus with a variety of particles (e.g., neutrons,protons,deutrons or (alpha
particles) or with electromagnetic radiation in the form of gamma rays. In the fission
process, a large quantity of energy is released, radioactive products are formed, and
several neutrons are emitted. These neutrons can induce fission in a nearby nucleus of
fissionable material and release more neutrons that can repeat the sequence, causing a
chain reaction in which a large number of nuclei undergo fission and an enormous amount
of energy is released. If controlled in a nuclear reactor, such a chain
 UNIVERSITY OF THE PUNJAB LAHORE
PAKISTAN

INSTITUTE OF METALLURGY & MATERIALS ENGINEERING

chain reaction in which a large number of nuclei undergo fission and an enormous amount
of energy is released. If controlled in a nuclear reactor, such a chain reaction can provide
power for society’s benefit. If uncontrolled, as in the case of the so-called atomic bomb it
can lead to an explosion of awesome destructive force.

2 Nuclear fusion:
Nuclear fusion is the process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to
form a single heavier one while releasing massive amounts of energy.
Example:
Two hydrogen atoms fuse to form one helium atom.
Explanation:
The nuclear fusion process occurs in elements that have a low atomic number
such as hydrogen .Nuclear fusion is the opposite of nuclear fission reaction in which
heavy elements diffuse and form lighter elements. Both nuclear fusion and fission produce
a massive amount of energy
Nuclear fusion in the universe:
Every star in the universe including the sun is alive due to nuclear fusion. It is
through this process that they produce an enormous amount of heat and energy. The
pressure at the core of any star is tremendously high and that is where the nuclear fusion
reactions occurs.
 UNIVERSITY OF THE PUNJAB LAHORE
PAKISTAN

INSTITUTE OF METALLURGY & MATERIALS ENGINEERING

When deuterium and tritium fuse together, their components are recombined to form a
helium atom and a fast neutron. As the two heavy isotopes are recombined into a helium
atom and a neutron, the leftover extra mass is transformed into kinetic energy.
The participating nuclei should be brought together for the nuclear fusion reaction to occur.
They should be brought so close to each other that the nuclear forces become active and
glue to the nuclei together.
Nuclear fusion reactor:
Nuclear fusion reactor uses the principle of controlled nuclear fusion reaction. The energy is
generated when two light atomic nuclei are forced to join together. When two nuclei merge,
a small amount of mass (matter) is transformed into a huge amount of energy. This huge
conversion can be explained using the equation:
E=mc
 UNIVERSITY OF THE PUNJAB LAHORE
PAKISTAN

INSTITUTE OF METALLURGY & MATERIALS ENGINEERING

E = energy
m = mass
c = speed of light in vacuum
Mass (matter) can also be converted into energy by nuclear fission (splitting of heavy
nuclei).
Nuclear reactors: