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Chapter 38: Problem 30

Write a complete equation for neutron-induced fission of plutonium-239 that yields barium-143, two neutrons, and another nucleus.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The complete equation for the neutron-induced fission of plutonium-239 yielding barium-143, two neutrons and another nucleus is: \(_{94}^{239}\text{Pu} + _0^1\text{n} → _{56}^{143}\text{Ba} + _0^1\text{n} + _0^1\text{n} + _{38}^{95}\text{Sr}\).

Step by step solution

01

Identify Initial Reaction

The neutron-induced fission of plutonium-239 is initialized by the plutonium-239 nucleus absorbing a neutron. Therefore, in the beginning, we have an plutonium-239 nucleus and a neutron presented with the symbols \(_{94}^{239}\text{Pu}\) and \(_0^1\text{n}\).
02

Account for Known Outcomes

The problem specifies the resultant nucleus as barium-143, denoted as \(_{56}^{143}\text{Ba}\), and two neutrons, represented as \(_0^1\text{n}\). It is essential to understand that in nuclear reactions, the total number of protons and neutrons (collectively known as nucleons) must remain the same before and after the reaction. This is a principle known as conservation of nucleons.
03

Balance Nucleons and Determine Unknown Nucleus

We know that the initial reaction has 239 nucleons from the plutonium and one from the added neutron, totalling 240 nucleons. After the reaction, there are 143 nucleons from the barium, and 2 from the neutrons, leaving 95 nucleons unaccounted for. As there are not sufficient neutrons to account for the missing nucleons, these must be composed in another element, which can be determined by subtracting the nuclear number of barium (56) from the atomic number of plutonium (94), which gives us 38. Looking at the standard periodic table, an atomic number of 38 corresponds to the element strontium. Therefore, the remaining nucleus must be strontium-95, represented as \(_{38}^{95}\text{Sr}\).

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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