Nuclear processes - A Level Standard Questions
Q4.
(a) The unstable uranium nucleus
is produced in a nuclear reactor.
(i) Copy and complete the equation which shows the formation of ![](../../../../graphics/symbols/nuclides/uranium236.png)
+ ![](../../../../graphics/symbols/nuclides/uranium235.png)
![](../../../../graphics/symbols/nuclides/arrow.png)
![](../../../../graphics/symbols/nuclides/uranium236.png)
![](../../../../graphics/symbols/nuclides/ticksmall.png)
(ii)
can decay by nuclear fission in many different ways.
Complete the equation which shows one possible decay channel.
![](4a.JPG)
![](../../../../graphics/symbols/nuclides/ticksmall.png)
(2 marks)
(b) Calculate the energy released, in MeV, in the fission reaction.
mass of a neutron = 1.00867u
atomic mass of Ba = 144.92694u
atomic mass of U = 236.04573u
atomic mass of = 86.91340u
Δm = mU – mBa – mKr – 4mn, - the electron masses balance, so can be ignored
Δm = 236.04573 – 144.92694 – 86.91340 – (4 × 1.00867) ![](../../../../graphics/symbols/nuclides/ticksmall.png)
Δm = 0.17071u ![](../../../../graphics/symbols/nuclides/ticksmall.png)
Q = 0.17071 × 931.3MeV = 159 MeV (1)![](../../../../graphics/symbols/nuclides/ticksmall.png)
(3 marks)
(Total 5 marks)