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Chapter 18: Problem 56

Breeder reactors are used to convert the nonfissionable nuclide \(\frac{238}{92} \mathrm{U}\) to a fissionable product. Neutron capture of the \(\frac{238}{92} \mathrm{U}\) is followed by two successive beta decays. What is the final fissionable product?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The final fissionable product after Uranium-238 (\(\frac{238}{92}\text{U}\)) undergoes neutron capture followed by two successive beta decays is Plutonium-239 (\(\frac{239}{94}\text{Pu}\)).

Step by step solution

01

Neutron Capture

Neutron capture is the process where a nucleus captures a neutron and gains one neutron. This increases the mass number (A) by one but keeps the atomic number (Z) the same. For the given nuclide, Uranium-238 (\(\frac{238}{92}\text{U}\)), upon neutron capture, the mass number will increase by 1, while the atomic number remains the same. The resulting nuclide will be: \[ \frac{239}{92}\text{U} \]
02

First Beta Decay

Beta decay occurs when a nucleus emits a beta particle (electron). During this process, a neutron is converted into a proton, causing the atomic number (Z) to increase by 1, while the mass number (A) remains unchanged. For the nuclide after neutron capture, \(\frac{239}{92}\text{U}\), following the first beta decay, we have: \[ \frac{239}{93}\text{Np} \] Here, Np stands for Neptunium, which has an atomic number of 93.
03

Second Beta Decay

We have one more beta decay to consider. The process is the same as in Step 2. For the nuclide obtained after the first beta decay, \(\frac{239}{93}\text{Np}\), the second beta decay will lead to: \[ \frac{239}{94}\text{Pu} \] Here, Pu stands for Plutonium, which has an atomic number of 94. The final fissionable product after the non-fissionable nuclide Uranium-238 (\(\frac{238}{92}\text{U}\)) undergoes neutron capture followed by two successive beta decays is Plutonium-239 (\(\frac{239}{94}\text{Pu}\)).

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Most popular questions from this chapter

A recent study concluded that any amount of radiation exposure can cause biological damage. Explain the differences between the two models of radiation damage, the linear model and the threshold model.

Calculate the amount of energy released per gram of hydrogen nuclei reacted for the following reaction. The atomic masses are \(^{1}_{1}{H}, 1.00782 \mathrm{u} ; \frac{2}{1} \mathrm{H}, 2.01410 \mathrm{u} ;\) and an electron, \(5.4858 \times\) \(10^{-4}\) u. (Hint: Think carefully about how to account for the electron mass.)$$\mathrm{i} \mathrm{H}+\mathrm{i} \mathrm{H} \longrightarrow_{\mathrm{i}}^{2} \mathrm{H}+_{+\mathrm{i}}^{0}$$

Predict whether each of the following nuclides is stable or unstable (radioactive). If the nuclide is unstable, predict the type of radioactivity you would expect it to exhibit. a. \(_{19}^{45} \mathrm{K}\) b. \(\frac{56}{26} \mathrm{Fe}\) c. \(\frac{20}{11} \mathrm{Na}\) d. \(^{194}_{81} \mathrm{TI}\)

When nuclei undergo nuclear transformations, \(\gamma\) rays of characteristic frequencies are observed. How does this fact, along with other information in the chapter on nuclear stability, suggest that a quantum mechanical model may apply to the nucleus?

Define "third-life" in a similar way to "half-life," and determine the "third- life" for a nuclide that has a half-life of 31.4 years.
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