Chapter 40, Problem 10A

Why can’t U-235 and U-238 be separated by a chemical reaction?

To determine

The reason for no separation U-235 and U-238 by chemical reaction.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The isotopes are the different forms in which the atomic number of both form are same but the different atomic mass number.

The isotopes of uranium are U-235 and U-238. The chemical properties of the both isotopes are same because of same number of protons in their nuclei.

U-235 and U-238 cannot be separated by chemical reaction because the properties of U-235 and U-238 are same and these cannot be identified easily in chemical reaction.

Conclusion:

Thus, U-235 and U-238 cannot be separated by a chemical reaction due to same chemical properties of both of uranium isotopes.