Open Question
A meteor has a Pb-206:U-238 mass ratio of 0.855:1.00. What is the age of the meteor? (Assume that the meteor did not contain any Pb-206 at the time of its formation.)
Ch.20 - Radioactivity and Nuclear Chemistry
Chapter 20, Problem 59
Write the nuclear equation for the fusion of two H-2 atoms to form He-3 and one neutron.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the isotopes involved in the reaction. Here, we have two hydrogen-2 (H-2) atoms, also known as deuterium, which will fuse together.
Write down the nuclear symbols for the reactants. Deuterium can be represented as \\( ^2_1H \\).
Determine the products of the fusion reaction. When two deuterium nuclei fuse, they typically produce a helium-3 (He-3) nucleus and a neutron. Helium-3 can be represented as \\( ^3_2He \\), and a neutron can be represented as \\( ^1_0n \\).
Write the nuclear equation by balancing the atomic numbers and mass numbers on both sides of the equation. The sum of atomic numbers (Z) and mass numbers (A) must be equal on both sides of the equation.
The balanced nuclear equation for the fusion of two deuterium nuclei is: \\(^2_1H + ^2_1H \rightarrow ^3_2He + ^1_0n\\).
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Nuclear Fusion
Nuclear fusion is the process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process. This reaction is the source of energy for stars, including the sun, and occurs under extreme temperature and pressure conditions. In the case of hydrogen isotopes, such as H-2 (deuterium), fusion can produce helium and other particles.
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Nuclear Equations
Nuclear equations represent the transformation of atomic nuclei during nuclear reactions. They show the reactants and products, including their atomic numbers and mass numbers, ensuring that both are conserved. For fusion reactions, the equation must balance the total number of protons and neutrons before and after the reaction.
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Isotopes
Isotopes are variants of a chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different mass numbers. For example, H-2 (deuterium) has one neutron, while H-1 (protium) has none. Understanding isotopes is crucial in nuclear reactions, as they can significantly affect the reaction's products and energy output.
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Related Practice
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Open Question
A breeder nuclear reactor is a reactor in which nonfissionable (nonfissile) U-238 is converted into fissionable (fissile) Pu-239. The process involves bombardment of U-238 by neutrons to form U-239, which then undergoes two sequential beta decays. Write nuclear equations for this process.
Open Question
Is the series of nuclear equations to represent the bombardment of Al-27 with a neutron to form a product that subsequently undergoes a beta decay written correctly?