Balance the following equations for the nuclear fission of 235U. (b)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reactants and products in the nuclear fission reaction of \( ^{235}\text{U} \). Typically, this involves a neutron and \( ^{235}\text{U} \) as reactants, and two smaller nuclei along with additional neutrons as products.
2. Write the unbalanced nuclear equation. For example, \( ^{235}\text{U} + ^{1}\text{n} \rightarrow \text{X} + \text{Y} + \text{neutrons} \), where X and Y are the fission fragments.
3. Use the conservation of mass number and atomic number to balance the equation. The sum of mass numbers (top numbers) on the left must equal the sum on the right. Similarly, the sum of atomic numbers (bottom numbers) on the left must equal the sum on the right.
4. Determine the identity of the fission fragments (X and Y) by ensuring that the total mass number and atomic number are conserved. This may involve looking up common fission products of \( ^{235}\text{U} \).
5. Balance the number of neutrons on both sides of the equation. The number of neutrons produced is typically 2 or 3, depending on the specific fission reaction.

Key Concepts

Nuclear Fission

Nuclear fission is a process in which a heavy nucleus, such as uranium-235, splits into two or more lighter nuclei, along with the release of energy and neutrons. This reaction can be initiated by the absorption of a neutron, leading to a chain reaction that is fundamental in nuclear reactors and atomic bombs.

Balancing Nuclear Reactions

Balancing nuclear reactions involves ensuring that the total number of nucleons (protons and neutrons) and the charge are conserved on both sides of the equation. This means that the sum of atomic numbers and mass numbers must be equal before and after the reaction, similar to balancing chemical equations but with additional considerations for nuclear particles.

Uranium-235

Uranium-235 is a specific isotope of uranium that is fissile, meaning it can sustain a nuclear chain reaction. It has 92 protons and 143 neutrons, making it a key fuel in nuclear reactors and a primary material for nuclear weapons. Understanding its properties is essential for analyzing fission reactions.