Textbook Question
The radioactive isotope 100Tc decays to form the stable iso-tope 100Mo. (a) There are two possible pathways for this decay. Write balanced equations for both.
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Ch.20 - Nuclear Chemistry
Chapter 20, Problem 88
Identify the false statement about nuclear fission. (a) Nuclear fission is induced by bombarding a U-235 sample with beta particles. (b) Nuclear fission is the splitting of a heavy element into lighter elements. (c) Mass is converted to energy in nuclear fission. (d) Nuclear fission releases huge amounts of energy compared to chemical reactions. (e) Nuclear fission can cause a chain reaction because additional neutrons are produced with each fission of a nucleus.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the process of nuclear fission. Nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction in which a heavy nucleus splits into two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of energy and additional neutrons.
Step 2: Analyze statement (a). Nuclear fission is typically induced by bombarding a U-235 nucleus with neutrons, not beta particles. Beta particles are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted by certain types of radioactive nuclei, which are not used to induce fission.
Step 3: Evaluate statement (b). This statement is true as nuclear fission involves the splitting of a heavy element into lighter elements.
Step 4: Consider statement (c). This statement is true because, according to Einstein's equation E=mc^2, mass is converted into energy during nuclear fission.
Step 5: Review statements (d) and (e). Both are true: (d) nuclear fission releases a large amount of energy compared to chemical reactions, and (e) the process can lead to a chain reaction due to the production of additional neutrons.
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Nuclear Fission
Nuclear fission is a process in which a heavy atomic nucleus, such as uranium-235, splits into two or more lighter nuclei, along with the release of energy and neutrons. This reaction can occur spontaneously or be induced by bombarding the nucleus with particles, typically neutrons, rather than beta particles.
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Guided course
03:29
Band of Stability: Nuclear Fission
Energy Conversion
In nuclear fission, a small amount of the mass of the original nucleus is converted into a large amount of energy, as described by Einstein's equation E=mc². This energy release is significantly greater than that from chemical reactions, making nuclear fission a powerful energy source.
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01:56Conversion Factors
Chain Reaction
A chain reaction in nuclear fission occurs when the neutrons released from one fission event induce further fission events in nearby nuclei. This self-sustaining process can lead to a rapid release of energy, which is the principle behind both nuclear reactors and atomic bombs.
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01:30Alcohol Reactions: Dehydration Reactions
Related Practice
Textbook Question
The radioactive isotope 100Tc decays to form the stable iso-tope 100Mo. (b) Only one of the pathways is observed. Calculate the energy released by both pathways, and explain why only one is observed. Relevant masses are: 100Tc = 99.907 657, 100Mo = 99.907 48, electron = 0.000 548 6.
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Textbook Question
Control rods in a nuclear reactor are often made of boron because it absorbs neutrons. Write the nuclear equation in which boron-10 absorbs a neutron to produce lithium-7 and an alpha particle.
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Textbook Question
What is the difference between uranium fuel rods in a nuclear power plant and uranium fuel for an atomic weapon?
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Textbook Question
Can fuel rods in a power plant be used to make an atomic weapon without further treatment? Explain.
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