Abstract
The number of atoms evaporated from the surface of a metal during the emission of fission fragments or alpha particles from it has been measured, using U 233 and Pu 239. This number is markedly dependent on the presence of a surface layer of oxide; for the emission of fission fragments from U 233 it increases from 24 to 1200 when the oxide film is removed. For Pu 233 with an oxide-free surface the number is 3500 atoms per fission fragment. For Pu 239 undergoing spontaneous decay 0·02 atoms are evaporated for each alpha particle emitted. An approximate calculation indicates that the number of atoms in the zone heated by passage of a fission fragment to the temperature necessary to cause evaporation is, for uranium, 5·6 × 10 6. The amount of kinetic energy transferred from the fission fragment to the atoms of the lattice is evidently greater than the value at present accepted in the literature.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
