Question

Calculate the quantity of energy produced per gram of U-235 (atomic mass = 235.043922 amu) for the neutron-induced fission of U-235 to form Xe-144 (atomic mass = 143.9385 amu) and Sr-90 (atomic mass = 89.907738 amu). Express your answer in joules per gram to three significant figures.

Answer 1

Answer:

To calculate the amount of energy produced per gram from Uranium- 235 we call on the formula:

delta(m)= mass of the products - mass of reactants

Given the atomic mass of Xe-144 = 143.9385 amu; atomic mass of Sr-90= 89.907738 amu;  atomic mass of  U-235= 235.043922 amu

Therefore:

delta(m)=  (143.9385 + 89.907738) - (235.043922)  = -1.197682 amu

Recall that to calculate energy in joules, we use the formula:

Energy = mc^2

Therefore: Energy = (-1.197582/6.022 x 10^26)kg x (3 x 10^8 m/s)^2

= -1.7898104 x 10^-10 J

= (-1.7898104 x 10^-10 x 6.022 x 10^23/235.043922)

= -4.586 x 10^11 J per gram of  energy released

Explanation:

To calculate the amount of energy produced per gram from Uranium- 235 we call on the formula:

delta(m)= mass of the products - mass of reactants

Given the atomic mass of Xe-144 = 143.9385 amu; atomic mass of Sr-90= 89.907738 amu;  atomic mass of  U-235= 235.043922 amu

Therefore:

delta(m)=  (143.9385 + 89.907738) - (235.043922)  = -1.197682 amu

Recall that to calculate energy in joules, we use the formula:

Energy = mc^2

Therefore: Energy = (-1.197582/6.022 x 10^26)kg x (3 x 10^8 m/s)^2

= -1.7898104 x 10^-10 J

= (-1.7898104 x 10^-10 x 6.022 x 10^23/235.043922)

= -4.586 x 10^11 J per gram of  energy released