${}^{235}_{92}U$ nucleus absorbs a neutron and disintegrates into ${}^{139}_{54}Xe$, ${}^{94}_{38}Sr$ and x. So, what will be the product x : -
A
3 neutrons
B
2 neutrons
C
$\alpha$-particle
D
$\beta$-particle
The answer is A.
Solution
Fission reaction: ${}^{235}_{92}U + {}^{1}_{0}n \rightarrow {}^{139}_{54}Xe + {}^{94}_{38}Sr + x$ Atomic numbers: left side $92 + 0 = 92$; right side $54 + 38 = 92$. So x carries no charge (Z = 0). Mass numbers: left side $235 + 1 = 236$; right side $139 + 94 = 233$. So x has a total mass number of $236 - 233 = 3$. Particles with Z = 0 and A = 1 are neutrons, so x = 3 neutrons: ${}^{235}_{92}U + {}^{1}_{0}n \rightarrow {}^{139}_{54}Xe + {}^{94}_{38}Sr + 3\,{}^{1}_{0}n$ So the product x is 3 neutrons. Note: the answer key of the source gives 2 neutrons; it is changed here because the mass numbers balance only with 3 neutrons.
ConceptBalancing a fission reaction
Nuclear Chemistry in past papers
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