Is it possible to split an atom?

Question

Okay this question is random and really meant to amuse me so... fire away!!

Answer 1

Yes, this is how energy is released from atoms in a Nuclear Reactor.

They bombard Uranium-235 with Neutrons, which in turn split the atoms of the U-235. With each 'fission', around 2 or 3 Neutrons are also released, which can then go on to split other U-235 atoms - and hence a chain reaction is started.

The amount of Neutrons available can be controlled, by using Graphite or Boron Control Rods, which can absorb the excess neutrons.

Answer 2

Happy Reading!

yesm.

its called nuclear fission, the same reaction that takes place in a nuclear bomb. In the bomb, a very well planned explosive charge splits the first Uranium (or Plutonium) atom, into several smaller atoms (these become different elements), some protons or neutrons that come shooting off, and a LOT of energy. These high powered protons and neutrons shoot off and slam into other surrounding Uranium (or Plutonium) atoms and the chain reaction is started. The energy produced by this reaction is equated by Einsteins formula e=mc^2 (^2=squared) where e is energy, m is mass and c is the speed of light (299,792,458 metres/second, so the speed of light squared is 89,875,517,800,000,000 metres squared/seconds squared, a very big number). So you can see how a small amount of mass can be converted into enough energy to level an entire city.

Nuclear fission is not to be confused with nuclear fusion (made famous in, among other things, the second spiderman movie, where doctor octopus tries to harness its power). Nuclear fusion, as the name implies, involves the fusion of the nuclei of 2 atoms, to produce a new atom, and a butt load of energy. This is the reaction that is taking place in the sun. Hydrogen atoms are being fused to make helium atoms plus a butt load of energy which is given off as light and heat energy. To force 2 atoms together takes a certain amount of energy, but when they are fused, they release more energy than it took to force them together, and thus it is a completely self sustaining source of energy (until it runs out of reactants). But this reaction is very unstable and man has yet to be able to control it well enough to use it as a power source (as was also shown in spiderman, though, the ending of that movie was crap, as dousing a fusion reaction in water would do crap all). But, we have been able to use its instability as a weapon (aren't we creative like that), and thus the Hydrogen or H-Bomb was born. In that, precise explosives start off a fusion chain reaction which also has the power to level a city.

Anyway, i hope this has amused you. And before ppl start raging at me about being too simple or missing out bits, I wrote this in a very simple way so that the majority of the public would be able to understand, so if i am slightly off with some of the facts, u can bite me.

Lobsta Out!

Answer 3

1. yes the electricty factories split an atom very slowly so the steam from the atom turns a turbine which turns the generator which produces electricity

2. yes thats is what an atomic bomb is it is splitting an aton really fast causing a huge explosion

Answer 4

Yes. It releases a colossal amount of energy, often used unfortunately as bombs. This is the basis of nuclear weapons. Ever hear of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima? You've got your answer.

Answer 5

It is actually more fun to split a black oak than an atom.

Answer 6

Ask the people in Chernobyl or Three Miles Island.

Answer 7

Yes?

Answer 8

Yes, ever heard of Nuclear energy??

Answer 9

yes...called a atomic bomb as a result

Answer 10

Yes, that's how atomic bombs work