What daughter isotopes are produced when a neutron combines with a nucleus of 235/92 U? Assume that three neutrons are also produced in the reaction.
A. 140/56 Ba, 95/36 Kr
B. 142/56 Ba, 93/36 Kr
C. 140/56 Ba, 93/36 Kr
D. 141/56 Ba, 94/36 Kr
Please help. Thanks.
To determine the daughter isotopes produced when a neutron combines with a nucleus of 235/92 U, we can start by looking at the conservation of mass and atomic number.
In this reaction, a neutron combines with a nucleus of 235/92 U and results in the formation of two daughter isotopes. To find these daughter isotopes, we need to consider the fact that three neutrons are also produced in the reaction.
The atomic number (or the number of protons) of the uranium nucleus is 92. When a neutron combines with the uranium nucleus, it can result in the formation of two different daughter isotopes based on the conservation of atomic number.
To find the atomic number of the first daughter isotope, we subtract one from the atomic number of uranium (92 - 1 = 91), so the first daughter isotope has an atomic number of 91.
To find the atomic number of the second daughter isotope, we subtract one from the atomic number of uranium again (92 - 1 - 1 = 90), so the second daughter isotope has an atomic number of 90.
Now let's look at the mass number of the uranium nucleus. The mass number of 235/92 U is 235.
Based on the conservation of mass, the mass number of the first daughter isotope will be 235 + 1 (neutron) - 3 (neutrons) = 233.
The mass number of the second daughter isotope will also be 235 + 1 (neutron) - 3 (neutrons) = 233.
Now we have the atomic number and the mass number for the two daughter isotopes.
The daughter isotopes produced when a neutron combines with a nucleus of 235/92 U, assuming three neutrons are also produced, are:
- 233/91 X, which is an isotope of element X with atomic number 91 and mass number 233
- 233/90 Y, which is an isotope of element Y with atomic number 90 and mass number 233
Looking at the answer choices provided:
A. 140/56 Ba, 95/36 Kr
B. 142/56 Ba, 93/36 Kr
C. 140/56 Ba, 93/36 Kr
D. 141/56 Ba, 94/36 Kr
We can see that none of the answer choices match the daughter isotopes calculated.
Therefore, none of the provided answer choices are correct.
With 3 neutrons produced, the sum of the atomic weights of the daughter product nuclei must be 235 + 1 - 3 = 233
The atomic number (proton) sum for the daughter nuclei must be 92
Only one of the four choices satisfines these criteria.
Now you know how to make the choice.