Chapter 19, Problem 42A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Equation of conversion for non-fissionable ${}_{92}^{238}\text{U}$ to fissionable ${}_{94}^{239}\text{Pu}$ must be provided.

Concept introduction: In a nuclear reaction, unstable nuclide disintegrates into stable nuclide with emission of various radiations spontaneously. It is called radioactivity of nucleus. These reactions are of 2 types: fission and fusion. Fission is process in which heavy nuclides disintegrate into lighter and stable ones. When 2 lighter nucleus come together to create a heavy nuclide, it is called as fusion.

Answer to Problem 42A

Reaction equation showing non-fissionable ${}_{92}^{238}\text{U}$ to produce fissionable ${}_{94}^{239}\text{Pu}$ can be shown as follows:

  $\begin{array}{c}{}_0^1\text{n}+{}_{92}^{238}\text{U}\to {}_{92}^{239}\text{U}\\ {}_{92}^{239}\text{U}\to {}_{93}^{239}\text{Np}+{}_{-1}^0\text{e}\\ {}_{93}^{239}\text{Np}{\to }_{92}^{239}\text{Pu}{+}_{-1}^0\text{e}\end{array}$

Explanation of Solution

In nuclear reactors, fission reaction is used to generate electrical energy. Uranium deposits that are used for fission are getting exhausted in the process. To conserve Uranium reserve, breeder reactor are employed which use for non-fissionable ${}_{92}^{238}\text{U}$ to produce fissionable ${}_{94}^{239}\text{Pu}$. Reaction equation can be shown as follows:

  $\begin{array}{c}{}_0^1\text{n}+{}_{92}^{238}\text{U}\to {}_{92}^{239}\text{U}\\ {}_{92}^{239}\text{U}\to {}_{93}^{239}\text{Np}+{}_{-1}^0\text{e}\\ {}_{93}^{239}\text{Np}{\to }_{92}^{239}\text{Pu}{+}_{-1}^0\text{e}\end{array}$

This reaction involves absorption of neutron and release of 2 beta particle.

Conclusion

Reaction equation showing non-fissionable ${}_{92}^{238}\text{U}$ to produce fissionable ${}_{94}^{239}\text{Pu}$ can be shown as follows:

  $\begin{array}{c}{}_0^1\text{n}+{}_{92}^{238}\text{U}\to {}_{92}^{239}\text{U}\\ {}_{92}^{239}\text{U}\to {}_{93}^{239}\text{Np}+{}_{-1}^0\text{e}\\ {}_{93}^{239}\text{Np}{\to }_{92}^{239}\text{Pu}{+}_{-1}^0\text{e}\end{array}$