Physics

Problem

(Neutron-induced fission of

^{235}

U) A thermal neutron is captured by a

^{235}

U nucleus leading to the fission reaction

^{235}_{92}

U +

^{1}_{0}

n →

^{141}_{56}

Ba +

^{92}_{36}

Kr + 3

^{1}_{0}

n The relevant atomic masses are: •

^{235}

U = 235.043929 u •

^{141}

Ba = 140.914411 u •

^{92}

Kr = 91.926156 u •

n

= 1.008665 u Constants: 1 u = 931.5 MeV,

N_A

= 6.022 × 10²³ mol⁻¹, 1 eV = 1.60 × 10⁻¹⁹ J. Answer the following: a. (i) Compute the mass defect associated with one fission event in atomic mass units. b. (ii) Calculate the energy released per fission event in MeV. c. (iii) Determine the total energy, in joules, that would be released if 1.0 kg of pure

^{235}

U underwent complete fission according to the above reaction.

Browse the problem library