(a) Calculate the energy released in the neutron-induced fission reaction\(n{ + ^{235}}U{ \to ^{92}}Kr{ + ^{142}}Ba + 2n\),

Given \(m{(^{92}}Kr) = 91.926269{\rm{ }}u\) and

\(m{(^{142}}Ba) = 141.916361{\rm{ }}u\).

(b) Confirm that the total number of nucleons and total charge are conserved in this reaction.

Short Answer

Expert verified

(a) The energy released in the reaction\(n{ + ^{235}}U{ \to ^{92}}Kr{ + ^{142}}Ba + 2n\)is\(E = 179.4MeV\).

(b) It is confirmed that the total number of nucleons and total charge are conserved in \(n{ + ^{235}}U{ \to ^{92}}Kr{ + ^{142}}Ba + 2n\) reaction.

Step by step solution

01

Concept Introduction

The power kept in the centre of an atom is known as nuclear energy. All stuff in the cosmos is made up of tiny particles called atoms. The centre of an atom's nucleus is typically where most of its mass is concentrated. Neutrons and protons are the two subatomic particles that make up the nucleus. Atomic bonds that hold them together carry a lot of energy.

02

Energy Calculation

The energy released in a neutron-induced fission reaction is\(E = \Delta m{c^2}\),where\(\Delta m\)is the difference between the mass of the parent nucleus plus themass of the neutron, minus the sum of the masses of the products.

\(n = 1.008665u\), the difference in mass is –

\(\begin{align}{}\Delta m & = \left[ {m\left( {^{235}U} \right) + m(n)} \right] - \left[ {m\left( {^{92}Kr} \right) + m\left( {^{142}Ba} \right) + 2m(n)} \right]\\ & = [235.043924u + 1.008665u] - [91.926269u + 141.916361u + 2(1.008665)u]\\ & = 0.19262911\end{align}\)

Hence, the energy is –

\(\begin{align}{}E &= 0.192629n\frac{{931.5\frac{{McV}}{{{c^2}}}}}{u}{c^2}\\ &= 179.4MeV\end{align}\)

Therefore, the value for energy is obtained as \(E = 179.4MeV\).

03

Step 3:Number of nucleons and charge

The total number of nucleons and the total charge are conserved since,

The number of nucleons on the right side and on the left side of the reaction are equal –

\(\begin{align}{}A &= {(235 + 1)_{left{\rm{ }}}}\\ &= {(92 + 142 + 2)_{right{\rm{ }}}}\\ &= 236\end{align}\)

The total charge on the right side and on the left side of the reaction are equal –

\(\begin{align}{}Z & = {(92 + 0)_{left{\rm{ }}}}\\ &= {(36 + 56 + 0)_{right{\rm{ }}}}\\ &= 92\end{align}\)

Therefore, all the quantities are conserved.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free