The nuclear reaction that powers the radioisotope thermoelectric generator shown

Question

The nuclear reaction that powers the radioisotope thermoelectric generator shown in the chapter-opening photograph is^238_94 PU rightarrow^234_92U +^4_2He. The atomic masses of plutonium and uranium-234 are 238.049554 amu and 234 040946 amu. respectively. The masse of an alpha particle is 4.001506 amu. How much energy in kJ is released when 1.00 g of plutonium-238 decays to uranium-234? (a) 2.27 times 10^6 kJ (b) 2.68 times 10^6 kJ (c) 3.10 times 10^6 kJ (d) 3.15 times 10^6 kJ (e) 7.37 times 10^8 kJ

Explanation / Answer

Energy , E = m × C^2

m = (234.040946 + 4.001506) - 238.049554 = 0.007102

E = 0.007102 ×(3×10^8)^2 J

This is for 238.049554 Kg ,

Then for 1 g = 10^-3 Kg

E = (0.007102 ×(3×10^8)^2 J× 10^-3)/238.049554 = 2.685 ×10^9 J

= 2.685 × 10^6 Kj

Answer is (b)

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