2007-06-11 06:25:53 · 7 answers · asked by lindi 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The principle difference is that in a bomb, you let the chain reaction go supercritical and run away. In a reactor, you use control rods to absorb neutrons and keep the reaction right at the critical level, so that it sustains itself without blowing up.
2007-06-11 06:32:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The process is exactly the same - fission is simply breaking apart the energy it takes to fuse atoms to form elements (like plutonium or uranium, etc.) and harnessing them for their energy. The only difference between the reactor which provides energy and a A-bomb is that the reactor is a controlled fission reaction where the heat created by the reaction is used to create energy that can power much of our electrical needs, etc. In an atomic bomb, this reaction goes unconfined and indefinately, releasing the enormous amount of energy of the element (plutonium or uranium) at critical mass outwards without bound, i.e. destructively. Hope this helps.
2007-06-11 06:37:48 · answer #2 · answered by brix510 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fission is fission. The main difference in if its used in a bomb or a reactor is in its concentration. Reactor grade plutonium or uranium235 is much less concentrated than what is used in a bomb. The difference is so great that there are completely different methods of concentrating them. Weapon grade is much more difficult. If a country is interested in nuclear only as energy they will have only the methods to create that and not for weapon grade.
2007-06-11 06:36:59 · answer #3 · answered by Martin K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a reactor, fission is controlled. In a bomb, fission is not controlled. That is the basic difference.
2007-06-11 08:20:00 · answer #4 · answered by msi_cord 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in a nuclear reactor, the fission process is controlled. not so in an atomic bomb.
2007-06-11 06:31:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that the nuclear reactor just runs an electric current through the radioactive rods and a lot of heat is produced.The heavy water is like a connecting wire.A nuclear bomb only explodes when it comes in contact with anti matter like meteor material.I have plutonium as ordinary coal.
2007-06-11 07:11:05 · answer #6 · answered by Balthor 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sorry Mohammed, you are going to have to learn your bomb making plans somewhere else.
2007-06-11 06:29:56 · answer #7 · answered by Papou 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋