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Chapter 15: Problem 76

Write balanced nuclear equations for examples of fission and fusion.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The nuclear fission of uranium-235: \(^{235}_{92}U -> ^{140}_{54}Xe + ^{94}_{38}Sr + 2^{1}_{0}n\). The nuclear fusion in the sun: \(^{1}_{1}H + ^{1}_{1}H -> ^{2}_{1}H + e^{+}\)

Step by step solution

01

Example of a nuclear fission

An example of fission is that of uranium-235. When a neutron strikes the nucleus of an atom of the isotopes uranium-235 or plutonium-239, it is absorbed, forming uranium-236 or plutonium-240. These heavier types are unstable and fission into two smaller nuclei, and additional neutrons. Here is the balanced nuclear equation: \(^{1}_{0}n + ^{235}_{92}U -> ^{140}_{54}Xe + ^{94}_{38}Sr + 2^{1}_{0}n\)
02

Example of a nuclear fusion

An example of fusion is the reaction that powers the sun and other stars. In the core of the sun at temperatures of 10-15 million degrees Kelvin, Hydrogen nuclei combine to form Helium. There are several steps in this process and one of them is shown below: \(^{1}_{1}H + ^{1}_{1}H -> ^{2}_{1}H + e^{+}\). Here, \(e^{+}\) represents positron.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Understanding Nuclear Fission
Nuclear fission is a fascinating process where a large nucleus splits into smaller ones, releasing a significant amount of energy. Imagine how a neutron strikes a uranium-235 nucleus. This event causes the nucleus to become unstable and split into smaller atoms, like xenon-140 and strontium-94.
  • Neutron hits uranium-235, forming unstable uranium-236.
  • The uranium-236 nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei.
  • Additional neutrons are released in the process.
This chain reaction releases lots of energy, used in nuclear power plants and atomic bombs. The balanced nuclear equation is crucial to ensure the conservation of mass and charge. For instance, \[ ^{1}_{0}n + ^{235}_{92}U \rightarrow ^{140}_{54}Xe + ^{94}_{38}Sr + 2^{1}_{0}n \]This equation shows one neutron starting the reaction and two being released, sustaining the process.
Exploring Nuclear Fusion
Nuclear fusion merges lighter nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, a process that powers stars like our Sun. Unlike fission, it combines elements to release energy. Here, hydrogen nuclei fuse to create helium, under immense pressure and temperatures of millions of degrees!
  • Hydrogen nuclei (protons) collide and fuse.
  • Forms deuterium, which eventually becomes helium.
  • Positrons and energy are released.
This process is clean and releases more energy than fission but requires extreme conditions to maintain. An example equation is:\[ ^{1}_{1}H + ^{1}_{1}H \rightarrow ^{2}_{1}H + e^{+} \]Here, two hydrogen nuclei combine, emitting a positron \(e^{+}\), and form a heavier nucleus.
Balancing Nuclear Equations
Balancing nuclear equations ensures the conservation of atomic numbers and mass. It's like solving a puzzle where both sides must match. In nuclear reactions, this means the total number of protons and neutrons is the same before and after the reaction.
  • Mass number (total protons + neutrons) must balance.
  • Atomic number (protons) must also be equal on both sides.
For nuclear fission, it might look like:\[ ^{1}_{0}n + ^{235}_{92}U \rightarrow ^{140}_{54}Xe + ^{94}_{38}Sr + 2^{1}_{0}n \]And for fusion:\[ ^{1}_{1}H + ^{1}_{1}H \rightarrow ^{2}_{1}H + e^{+} \]In both cases, check the summed mass and atomic numbers鈥攜ou'll find they are equal, validating these balanced equations.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Describe the nuclear waste from a fission reactor.

Complete and balance the following equations. (a) \({ }_{3}^{7} \mathrm{Li}+? \longrightarrow 2_{2}^{4} \alpha\) (b) \({ }_{82}^{214} \mathrm{~Pb} \longrightarrow{ }_{83}^{214} \mathrm{Bi}+?\) (c) \({ }_{13}^{27} \mathrm{~A} 1+{ }_{0}^{1} \mathrm{n} \longrightarrow ?+{ }_{2}^{4} \alpha\) (d) \({ }_{6}^{12} \mathrm{C}+? \longrightarrow{ }_{7}^{13} \mathrm{~N}\)

Which of the elements with atomic numbers greater than 90 are radioactive?

How are the half-lives of radioactive nuclides measured?

Write a balanced nuclear equation for a reaction that might occur in a fission reactor.
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