In: Physics
(a) Most of the energy from a nuclear explosion is released during the final moments of the detonation. Using the result of the previous problem, compute the number of fission generations required to release 99% of the total explosive yield. Use the nominal value k = 2. (b) If the mean time between generations is the order of 10-8 sec over what period of time is energy released during a nuclear explosion?
Consider n generations
The energy released in final m-generation can be expressed as
The fraction of energy released in final m-generations is
For k=2 and very large n
Now the fraction is given as 99%. i.e
So, 99% of the energy is released during final 6.644~7 generations.
The time per generation given to be 10-8 s. So, the total time of release of this energy is