Textbook Problem

1 views

Nuclear Fission and Fusion

Write a nuclear equation to represent the neutron- induced Fission of uranium to produce Te-137, Zr-97, and two neutrons. (Hint: The symbol for a neutron is $n$.)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The nuclear equation that represents the neutron induced fission of uranium to produce $\text{Te}-137,\text{ Zr}-97$ and two neutrons, is to be written.

Concept introduction:

There is a difference between a chemical reaction and a nuclear reaction. A chemical reaction involves atoms, molecules and electrons whereas a nuclear reaction involves the nucleus of an atom.

Explanation of Solution

In a nuclear equation, each element is represented by its appropriate chemical symbol. There are two numbers written along with the chemical symbol. One is the mass number, which is written on the upper side and the other is the atomic number, which is written on the lower side. The mass number is denoted by A and the atomic number is denoted by Z.

In a balanced nuclear equation, the sum of atomic number and mass number is the same on both sides of the nuclear equation.

The nuclear equation that represents the neutron induced fission is as follows:

${}_{92}^{235}$