Use the periodic table to complete this equation that represents nuclear fission processes.
${ }_{92}^{275} U+{ }_0^1 n \rightarrow{ }_{50}^{139} Ba+{ }_8^1 C+3{ }_0^1 n$
A: $\square$
B: $\square$
C: $\square$
Answer (1)
In nuclear fission reactions, equations must be balanced in terms of both mass number (the sum of protons and neutrons) and atomic number (the number of protons) on both sides of the equation. Let's balance the given nuclear fission equation step-by-step:
The initial equation provided is:
92 275 U + 0 1 n → 50 139 B a + 8 1 C + 3 0 1 n
To find the missing component in the equation, check if the atomic numbers and mass numbers are balanced:
Mass Numbers:
Left Side: 275 ( U ) + 1 ( n ) = 276
Right Side: 139 ( B a ) + 1 ( C ) + 3 ( 1 ) ( 3 n ) = 144 + x ( mi ss in g ma ss n u mb er )
Therefore, 276 = 140 + x , so x = 136 .
Atomic Numbers:
Left Side: 92 ( U ) + 0 ( n ) = 92
Right Side: 50 ( B a ) + 8 ( C ) + 0 (neutrons do not contribute to atomic number) + y (missing atomic number)
Therefore, 92 = 58 + y , so y = 34 .
Now, identify the element that has an atomic number of 34 on the periodic table, which is Selenium (Se).
Thus, the complete balanced equation becomes:
92 275 U + 0 1 n → 50 139 B a + 34 136 S e + 3 0 1 n
This process illustrates the conservation of mass and charge, fundamental principles in nuclear reactions.
