Concept explainers
The naturally occurring radioactive isotope 232Th does not make good fission fuel, because it has an even number of neurons; however, it can be bred into a suitable fuel (much as 238U is bred into 239P).
(a) What are Z and N for 232Th?
(b) Write the reaction equation for neutron captured by 232Th and identify the nuclide AX produced in
(c) The product nucleus β− decays, as does its daughter. Write me decay equations for each, and identify the final nucleus.
(d) Conform that the final nucleus has an odd number of neutrons, making it a better fission fuel.
(e) Look up the half−life of the final nucleus to see if it lives long enough to be a useful fuel.
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