Question

A fast-moving neutron collides with the nucleus of Plutonium (Pu), thereby producing Xenon (Xe) and Zirconium (Zr) along with neutrons.

1. Write the nuclear fission reaction.
2. Find the energy released in the above nuclear reaction.

Given atomic masses:

\[\ce{m(^239_94 Pu)}\] = 239.052157 u

\[\ce{m(^103_40 Zr)}\] = 102.926597 u

\[\ce{m(^134_54Xe)}\] = 133.905040 u 

\[\ce{m(^1_0n)}\] = 1.00866 u

Answer 1

I. \[\ce{^239_94Pu + ^1_0n -> ^134_54Xe + ^103_40Zr + 3 ^1_0n}\]

II. Δm = \[\ce{[m(^239_94Pu) + m(^1_0n)] - [m(^134_54Xe) + m(^103_40Zr) + 3 m(^1_0n)]}\]

= [239.052157 + 1.00866] − [133.905040 + 102.926597 + 3 × 1.00866]

= [240.060817] − [236.831637 + 3.02598]

= 240.060817 – 239.857617

= 0.2032 u

Q value = ∆mc²

= 0.2032 × 931.5 MeV

= 189.2808 MeV