Fission Reactions In a nuclear fission reaction a heavy nucleus divides to form
ID: 480534 • Letter: F
Question
Fission Reactions In a nuclear fission reaction a heavy nucleus divides to form smaller nuclei and one or more neutrons. Many nuclei can undergo fission, but the fission reactions of uranium-235 and plutonium-239 are the principal ones that generate energy in nuclear power plants. This problem deals with balancing the fission reaction of the uranium-235 isotope as it undergoes bombardment from a neutron. Part A When a^235 U_92 nucleus is bombarded by neutrons (^1 n _0) it undergoes a fission reaction, resulting in the formation of two new nuclei and neutrons. The following equation is an example of one such fission process:^235 U_92 +^1 n _0 rightarrow^A Ba _Z +^94 Kr _36 + 3^1 n _0 Enter the isotope symbol for the barium (Ba) nucleus in this reaction. Express your answer as an isotope. _____ Part B In another process in which^235_ U 92 undergoes neutron bombardment, the following reaction occurs:^235 U _92 +^1 n _0 rightarrow^A Sr _Z +^143 Xe _54 + 3^1 n _0 Enter the isotope symbol for the strontium (Sr) nucleus in this reaction. Express your answer as an isotope. ____Explanation / Answer
92U235 + 0n1 ----> zBaA + 36Kr94 + 3 0n1
92 + 0 = z + 36 + 0
92 = z + 36
z = 92 - 36 = 56
Therefore, the atomic number of Ba is 56
235 + 1 = A + 94 + 3
236 = A + 97
A = 236 - 97 = 139
Therefore, the mass number of Ba is 139.
Therefore, the symbol of new isotope is 56Ba139
92U235 + 0n1 ----> zSrA + 54Xe143 + 3 0n1
92 + 0 = z + 54 + 0
92 = z + 54
z = 92 - 54 = 38
Therefore, the atomic number of Sr is 38
235 + 1 = A + 143 + 3
236 = A + 146
A = 236 - 146 = 90
Therefore, the mass number of Sr is 90
Therefore, the symbol of new isotope is 38Sr90
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