Calculate Energy during Nuclear Fission

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the energy released during the fission of U-235, specifically using the reaction involving U-235, a neutron, Ba-141, Kr-92, and three neutrons. The user attempts to determine the mass difference between the reactants and products, initially uncertain about the number of neutrons produced. After calculating the mass difference as 0.189 u, the user converts this mass into kilograms and applies Einstein's equation E=mc^2 to find the energy released, resulting in approximately 2.82 x 10^-11 J. The user expresses doubt about the correctness of their calculations, particularly regarding the final products of the reaction. Overall, the thread highlights the complexities involved in nuclear fission calculations and the importance of accurately identifying reaction products.
wilson_chem90
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Homework Statement


Another possible form of the fission of U-235 is:
\begin{array}{cc}235&92\[\tex] U + \begin{array}{cc}1&0\[\tex] n /rightarrow \begin{array}{cc}141&56\[\tex] Ba + \begin{array}{cc}92&36\[\tex] Kr + 3 \begin{array}{cc}1&0\ n<br /> <br /> a) Given the masses of the particles in the table below, calculate the amount of energy released in the fission of a U-235 nucleus. <br /> <br /> U = 234. 993 u<br /> 1 n = 1.008 u<br /> Ba = 140.883 u<br /> Kr = 91.905 u <br /> <br /> <br /> <h2>Homework Equations</h2><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <h2>The Attempt at a Solution</h2><br /> Before i start, I am not sure what to do with the last product formed from the U-235 reaction. I'mm not sure if its 3 protons or 2 protons and 1 neutron. anyways i just assumed it was 3 neutrons though. <br /> <br /> Mass or reactants :<br /> 234.993 u + 1.008 u = 236.001 u<br /> Mass of products:<br /> 140.883 u + 91.905 u + 1.008 u(3) = 235.812 u<br /> <br /> Mass difference:<br /> 236.001 u<br /> - 235.812 u<br /> = 0.189 u <br /> Energy released:<br /> <br /> m = (0.189 u)(1.6605 x 10^-27 kg/u)<br /> =3.138345 x 10^-28 kg<br /> <br /> E = mc^2<br /> = (3.138345 x 10^-28 kg)(2.998 x 10^8 m/s)^2<br /> = 2.82 x 10^-11 J<br /> <br /> Im honestly not sure that this is correct.
 
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i couldn't do the laTeX image, but its 235/92 U + 1/0 n = 141/56 Ba + 92/63 Kr + 3 1/0 n
 
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