Question

How does the liquid drop model account for nuclear fission?

Answer 1

Hint: In the liquid drop model, the nucleus is considered as a drop of a liquid. The atomic nucleus consists of neutrons and protons. Nuclear fission is the process of splitting the heavy nucleus by bombarding it with neutrons. During splitting, the spherical nucleus first forms a dumbbell shape and then gets distorted into two equal fragments.

Complete answer:
The nucleus is the central part of the atom and consists of neutrons and protons. The protons carry positive charge and the neutrons are neutral particles. The energy that keeps the neutrons and protons bound is called binding energy. The process of splitting the heavy nucleus by bombarding it with neutrons is known as nuclear fission. In the liquid drop model, this heavy nucleus acts as a drop of a liquid.
The liquid drop model describes a specific way of how the nucleus disintegrates in accordance with the disintegration of a liquid drop. This disintegration or the splitting of nucleus occurs by the bombardment of neutrons. The spherical nucleus may first form a dumbbell shape and then will be distorted into two fragments. These two fragments of the heavy nucleus are of equal shape and size.

Note:Nuclear fission can only occur in the case of heavier nuclei as heavier nuclei should disintegrate to produce lighter nuclei. Nuclear fission always releases energy. Nuclear forces are short range forces and have binding energy. It is the energy that keeps the neutrons and protons bound. The binding energy may also be defined as the energy that needs to be supplied to the nucleus to split. Therefore for nuclear fission, higher the binding energy, higher will be the energy used for the bombardment of neutrons.