PMI COLLEGES INC.

AREOLA , JOEMAR T.

MEJ1-B1

EMAT

1.) What is an Atom and how are Nuclear reactions being made or processed into a MWD
(Weapon for Mass Destruction). Write in Essay Format and Discuss or Explain further with
accompanying drawings

Nuclear Reactors and the Risk of Weaponization

Atoms are the fundamental building blocks of matter, composed of a nucleus containing protons and
neutrons, surrounded by electrons in orbit. Nuclear reactors utilize the controlled release of energy from
nuclear reactions to generate electricity or produce various isotopes for medical, industrial, and research
purposes. However, there is a risk that nuclear reactors can be weaponized to create Weapons of Mass
Destruction (WMDs). This essay explores the nature of atoms, the principles behind nuclear reactors,
and the potential pathways for their transformation into WMDs.

Atoms: The Building Blocks of Matter

Atoms are the smallest units of matter and are composed of three subatomic particles:

1. Protons: Positively charged particles found in the nucleus.

2. Neutrons: Neutrally charged particles also located in the nucleus.
3. Electrons: Negatively charged particles orbiting the nucleus in energy levels or shells.

The number of protons defines an element, while the sum of protons and neutrons determines the atom's
mass. Atoms combine to form molecules, giving rise to all matter in the universe. The stability of atoms
 is maintained by the balance of forces between the positively charged protons and negatively charged
electrons.

Nuclear Reactors: Harnessing Nuclear Energy

Nuclear reactors are designed to harness the energy released during nuclear fission, a process in which
an atomic nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, releasing a substantial amount of energy. The key
components of a nuclear reactor include:

1. Fuel: Typically, uranium-235 (U-235) or plutonium-239 (Pu-239) are used as fuel, as they are fissile
materials capable of sustaining nuclear reactions.
2. Moderator: A substance like water or graphite slows down neutrons, making them more likely to cause
fission reactions.
3. Control Rods: Materials like boron or cadmium can absorb neutrons, controlling the rate of the nuclear
reaction.
4. Coolant: Water or liquid sodium removes heat from the reactor core.
5. Reactor Vessel: Houses the core and contains the nuclear reactions.

Nuclear reactors generate electricity by heating water to produce steam, which drives turbines connected
to generators. They can also produce isotopes for various applications, such as medical imaging and
cancer treatment.

Weaponization of Nuclear Reactors

The weaponization of nuclear reactors involves exploiting the technology and materials used in peaceful
nuclear programs to develop nuclear weapons. Several pathways for this dangerous transformation exist:

1. Enrichment of Uranium: Nuclear reactors require low-enriched uranium (LEU) with a lower percentage
of U-235. Weaponization involves enriching uranium to weapons-grade levels (>90% U-235).
2. Plutonium Production: Certain reactor designs, like breeder reactors, produce plutonium-239 as a
byproduct. This plutonium can be separated and used for nuclear weapons.
3. Diversion of Materials: Materials used in nuclear reactors, such as enriched uranium or plutonium, can
be diverted and clandestinely used for weapons production.
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4. Dual- Use Technology: Equipment and expertise developed for civilian nuclear
programs can be repurposed for military applications.

Nuclear reactors are essential for producing clean energy and beneficial isotopes, but they also pose a
risk when their technology and materials are diverted for weaponization purposes. Safeguards,
international agreements like the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), and
rigorous monitoring are essential to prevent the misuse of nuclear technology. The consequences of
nuclear weapons proliferation are grave, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in
ensuring that nuclear reactors serve peaceful purposes
and do not become sources of Weapons of Mass Destruction.

2.) In your own simple meaning, plainly what is Engineering Materials?

Engineering materials are substances or compounds used by engineers and designers to create various
products and structures. These materials possess specific properties and characteristics that make them
suitable for particular applications. Engineers choose materials based on factors like strength, durability,
conductivity, and more, to ensure that the final product performs its intended function safely and
 effectively. Examples of engineering materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites,
each chosen for its unique properties and suitability for a given task.

3.) What is an Alloy, and what better chemical composition or materials can you mix with? Give
examples atleast

An alloy is a substance composed of two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal. These
elements are typically mixed together in a solid state to create a new material with properties distinct
from those of its individual components. Alloys are designed to enhance specific characteristics, such as
strength, durability, corrosion resistance, or conductivity, making them widely used in various
industries.

Here are some common examples of alloys and the elements they are typically composed of:

1. Steel: Steel is one of the most well-known alloys, primarily made by combining iron with a small
amount of carbon. Other elements like chromium, nickel, and manganese can be added to enhance its
properties. For example:
 Stainless Steel: Contains chromium and nickel for corrosion resistance.
 High-speed Steel: Contains tungsten, molybdenum, and vanadium for improved cutting and
drilling performance.
2. Brass: Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. It's valued for its attractive golden color and malleability.
3. Bronze: Bronze is made by mixing copper with tin, although other elements like aluminum, silicon, or
phosphorus can be added. It is known for its corrosion resistance and has been used for making statues,
coins, and various artifacts.
4. Aluminum Alloys: Aluminum can be combined with other elements like copper, magnesium, or silicon
to create alloys with enhanced strength, corrosion resistance, or heat resistance. Examples include:
 6061-T6 Aluminum: Contains magnesium and silicon for strength and corrosion resistance.
 Aluminum-Lithium Alloy: Contains lithium for lightweight aircraft applications.
5. Titanium Alloys: Titanium can be alloyed with elements like aluminum, vanadium, or nickel to
improve its strength and heat resistance. Examples include:
 Ti-6Al-4V: A common titanium alloy used in aerospace and medical implants.
 Ti-3Al-2.5V: Known for its high-temperature stability.
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 (cupronickel) to create alloys with specific electrical and mechanical properties.
7. Nickel-Based Alloys: These alloys often contain nickel as a base metal with other elements like
chromium, iron, and molybdenum. They are known for their high-temperature strength and corrosion
resistance. Inconel and Hastelloy are examples of nickel-based alloys.
8. Lead-Based Alloys: Lead can be mixed with antimony and other elements to create alloys with specific
properties. For instance, lead-acid batteries use lead-antimony alloys.
9. Magnesium Alloys: Magnesium can be combined with elements like aluminum or zinc to create
lightweight alloys used in aerospace and automotive industries.
10. Zirconium Alloys: Zirconium alloys, such as Zircaloy, are used in nuclear reactors due to their
excellent resistance to corrosion and neutron absorption.

These are just a few examples of the countless alloys that have been developed to meet specific
industrial and technological needs. The choice of alloy composition depends on the desired properties
and applications of the final material.

4.) What are Metals? Differentiate Ferrous or Non-Ferrous. What are metals made of?

Metals are a class of chemical elements characterized by their specific properties, which include
electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, malleability, ductility, and a metallic luster. They make up
a significant portion of the periodic table and are essential in various industrial, commercial, and
everyday applications due to their unique properties.

Metals are typically composed of atoms arranged in a metallic lattice structure. This structure allows the
outermost electrons of metal atoms to move freely throughout the lattice, creating a "sea" of delocalized
electrons. This electron mobility is what gives metals their excellent electrical conductivity.

Metals can be broadly categorized into two main groups based on their iron content:

1. Ferrous Metals:
 Ferrous metals are metals that contain iron as their primary constituent.
 They have magnetic properties.
 Common examples include iron, steel, and cast iron.
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 These metals are widely used in construction, manufacturing, and various
industrial applications due to their strength and durability.
2. Non-Ferrous Metals:
 Non-ferrous metals are metals that do not contain iron as their primary constituent.
 They are typically non-magnetic (with a few exceptions like nickel).
 Common examples include aluminum, copper, brass, bronze, and precious metals like gold and
silver.
 Non-ferrous metals are often chosen for applications where corrosion resistance, lightweight
properties, or electrical conductivity are important.

It's important to note that the distinction between ferrous and non-ferrous metals is primarily based on
iron content and magnetic properties. There are many other properties that can vary widely among
different metals within each category, including their density, melting point, hardness, and conductivity.

Metals are not made; they are naturally occurring chemical elements. They are found in the Earth's crust
and can be extracted through various mining and refining processes. Once extracted, metals can be
further processed and alloyed with other elements to enhance their properties or suit specific
applications. For example, steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, while brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.
These alloys are created to achieve desirable characteristics such as increased strength, corrosion
resistance, or improved workability.

5.) Name atleast 5 metallic composition being made into a Ship’s Propeller?
Ship's propellers are typically made from high-strength metallic compositions to withstand the harsh
marine environment. While there are various materials used for this purpose, five common metallic
compositions for ship propellers are:

1. Bronze: Bronze is a widely used material for ship propellers due to its excellent corrosion resistance and
good mechanical properties. It often contains a combination of copper, tin, and other alloying elements.
2. Stainless Steel: Stainless steel propellers are known for their corrosion resistance and durability. They
are often used in saltwater environments where corrosion is a significant concern. Various grades of
stainless steel may be employed, such as 316 stainless steel.
3. Nickel-Aluminum Bronze: Nickel-aluminum bronze is another popular choice for ship propellers,
offering a balance between corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. It typically contains copper,
nickel, and aluminum.
4. Manganese Bronze: Manganese bronze propellers are known for their excellent wear resistance and can
be used in both saltwater and freshwater environments. They are typically made of copper, manganese,
and other alloying elements.
5. Nibral (Nickel-Aluminum-Bronze): Nibral is an alloy composed of nickel, aluminum, and bronze. It is
chosen for its corrosion resistance, strength, and resistance to cavitation damage. Nibral propellers are
often used in various marine applications.

The choice of material depends on the specific requirements of the ship, including factors like the type
of water (saltwater or freshwater), the vessel's size and purpose, and the expected operating conditions.
Propeller design and material selection are critical to ensure efficient and reliable propulsion for ships.

6.) What is Zinc? Can Copper be mixed with Silver or with Zinc composition process? Explain
and give each examples or drawings?

Zinc is a chemical element with the symbol Zn and atomic number 30. It is a metal that is commonly
found in nature and has various industrial and biological applications. Zinc is known for its corrosion
resistance, which makes it valuable for galvanizing iron and steel to prevent rusting. It's also an essential
trace element in the human diet, playing a crucial role in various biological processes.

Copper can be mixed with both silver and zinc to form alloys. These alloys have different properties and
uses. Let's explore each of these mixtures:

1. Copper-Silver Alloy (Cupronickel):

 Copper and silver can be mixed to form alloys known as cupronickels. The most common
cupronickel alloy contains around 75-90% copper and 10-25% silver, with small amounts of
other elements like nickel and zinc.
 Cupronickel alloys are known for their excellent resistance to corrosion, making them suitable
for marine applications such as shipbuilding and coin minting. For example, the United States
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used cupronickel to make "nickels" (5-cent coins) from 1942 to 1945 during
World War II due to a shortage of nickel.
 Here's a simplified representation of the copper-silver alloy composition:
Cu (Copper) + Ag (Silver) + Ni (Nickel, optional) + Other Trace Elements

2. Copper-Zinc Alloy (Brass):

 Copper and zinc can be mixed to form brass alloys. The composition of brass can vary widely,
but common brass alloys contain around 60-80% copper and 20-40% zinc.
 Brass is known for its attractive golden-yellow color, and it has a wide range of applications,
including musical instruments, plumbing fixtures, decorative items, and ammunition casings.
 Here's a simplified representation of the copper-zinc alloy composition:

Cu (Copper) + Zn (Zinc) + Other Trace Elements

Here are simplified chemical equations representing the formation of these alloys:

1. Formation of Cupronickel:
 When copper (Cu) and silver (Ag) are mixed, they form a solid solution of cupronickel:
Cu + Ag → CuAg (Cupronickel)
2. Formation of Brass:
 When copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are mixed, they form various brass alloys with different
compositions:
Cu + Zn → Brass

NOLI BACONAWA AREOLA, JOEMAR T.

PROFESSOR’S NAME & SIGNATURES STUDENT’S NAME & SIGNATURE