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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

+

(ii) can decay by nuclear fission in many different ways.

Complete the equation which shows one possible decay channel.

(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)

Δm = 0.17071u

From data sheet we can find the energy equivalent of mass

Q = 0.17071 × 931.3MeV = 159 MeV (1)

(3 marks)

(Total 5 marks)