Question

Identify the missing atom or subatomic particle, AZX, for the following reactions. Then, classify each nuclear reaction represented below as a fission or fusion reaction. (Enter your answer in the form A X Z .) (a) 23392U + 10n → 13351Sb + AZX + 3 10n

Answer 1

Answer: A X Z is 98 Nb 41

Explanation:

In balancing nuclear equations, we observe the following rules:

I. The total number of protons and neutrons in the products and reactants must be the same ( conservation of mass number ).

II. The total number of nuclear charges in the products and reactants must be the same ( conservation of atomic number ).

Examples: Balance the following nuclear equations ( that is, identify the product X )

I. 21284Po = 20882Pb + X

II. 13755Cs = 13756Ba + X

Solution

I. 21284Po = 20882Pb + 4He2

II. 13755Cs = 13756Ba + 0e-1

So, for (I) X is an alpha particle, (II) X is an electron.

For your question, the nuclear equation is:

(a) 23392U + 10n = 13351 Sb + 98Nb41 + 3 10n

Check to see if the equation is balanced:

Mass number of reactants: 233+1= 234

Mass number of products:

133+98+(3x1) = 234

Nuclear charge of reactants:

92+0 = 92

Nuclear charge of products:

51+41+(3x0) = 92.

This reaction (a) is a nuclear fission reaction.

Nuclear fission is a process in which a heavy nucleus ( mass number greater than 200 ) divides to form smaller nuclei of intermediate mass with a release of energy and radiation.

This is applied in the design of the atomic or fission bomb.