The nuclear reaction that powers a radioisotope thermoelectric generator is 238

Question

The nuclear reaction that powers a radioisotope thermoelectric generator is 238 94Pu 234 92U + 42He. The atomic masses of plutonium-238 and uranium-234 are 238.049554 amu and 234.040946 amu, respectively. The mass of an alpha particle is 4.001506 amu. How much energy in kJis released when 1.00 g of plutonium-238 decays to uranium-234? The nuclear reaction that powers a radioisotope thermoelectric generator is + . The atomic masses of plutonium-238 and uranium-234 are 238.049554 and 234.040946 , respectively. The mass of an alpha particle is 4.001506 . How much energy in is released when 1.00 of plutonium-238 decays to uranium-234?

2.27×106 kJ

1.52×109 kJ

1.86×106 kJ

2.31×106 kJ

5.40×108 kJ

Explanation / Answer

Mass change = mass of products - mass of reactants

                      = (234.040946 + 4.001506) - (238.049554)

                      = -7.104 x 10^-3 amu

Energy per mole = -7.104 x 10^3 x 1.66 x 10^-27 x (3 x 10^8)^2 x 6.023 x 10^23/1000 = -6.38 x 10^8 kJ

Energy released per 1 g Pu = 1 x 6.38 x 10^8/238.049554 = 2.7 x 10^6 kJ

Answer : 2.27 x 10^6 kJ

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.