Re[2]: Japan to switch to MOX? -Reply

[mcnaught@lanl.gov (Mike McNaughton)]

>This information is from the TRUPACT-II Safety Analysis Report.  This
>document references all isotopes of fissile concern to Pu-239 fissile
>gram equivalent (FGE).
>
>Isotope             Pu-239 FGE
>Pu-236             0.0
>Pu-238             0.131
>Pu-239             1.0
>Pu-240             0.0225
>Pu-241             2.25
>Pu-242             0.0075
>Pu-244             0.0

This table neatly illustrates the fact that the fissile isotopes generally
have an odd number of neutrons and an even number of protons. The addition
of a neutron creates an even-even nuclide. The pairing of nucleons releases
energy (~0.5 MeV) which causes the nucleus to start wobbling (like a water
balloon) until it fissions.

"Shlala gashle" (Zulu greeting, meaning "Stay safe")
mike (mcnaught@LANL.GOV)