If a shortage in worldwide supplies of fissionable uranium arose, it would be po

Question

If a shortage in worldwide supplies of fissionable uranium arose, it would be possible to use other fissionable nuclei. Plutonium, one such fuel, can be made in "breeder" reactors that manufacture more fuel than they consume. Write an equation for each of the nuclear reactions. The sequence of reactions by which plutonium is made is as follows: A 238U nucleus undergoes and (n, ) to produce 239U. a. b. 239U decays by emission (t 1/2-23.5 min) to give an isotope of neptunium. c. This neptunium, isotope decays by emission to give plutoniumisotope. d. The plutonium isotope is fissionable. On collision of one of these plutonium isotopes with a neutron, fission occurs, with at least two neutrons and two other nuclei as products.

Explanation / Answer

Equation for nuclear reactions

a. 238U captures a neutron to form 239U loosing a gamma radiation in the process

238U(92) + 1n(0) ---> 239U(92) + gamma

b. decay of 239U by emission of beta particle to form 239Np

239U(92) ---> 239Np(93) + 0beta(-1)

c. decay of 239Np by emission of beta particle to form 239Pu

239Np(93) ---> 239Pu(94) + 0beta(-1)

d. 239Pu bombarded with neutron undergoes fission to form 134Xe and 103Zr nuclei's and release of 3 neutrons

239Pu(94) + 1n(0) ---> 134Xe(54) + 103Zr(40) + 3(1n(0))

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse I
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.