Energy Released in Fission Reaction

AI Thread Summary
In the fission reaction U(92,235) → Zr(40,98) + Te(52,135) + 2 n, the atomic masses of the isotopes are provided, and the goal is to calculate the mass energy released. The equation E = mc^2 is used for this calculation, with the atomic mass unit conversion to MeV noted. Initially, an incorrect mass loss of 3.37E-28 kg was calculated, but it was later corrected to yield a final energy release of 183.9 MeV. This value is representative of typical energy released in fission reactions. The discussion highlights the importance of accurate calculations in determining energy outputs from nuclear reactions.
Ryo124
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Homework Statement



A typical fission reaction is
U(92,235) → Zr(40,98) + Te(52,135) + 2 n

The numbers in parentheses are (Z,A) for each isotope; n stands for a neutron.

The atomic masses of the isotopes are: U(92,235) = 235.043923 u; Zr(40,98) = 97.912746 u; Te(52,135) = 134.916450 u; n = 1.008665 u.

How much mass energy is released in the fission reaction? Use this number as typical of fission reactions. (Express the answer in MeV.)

Homework Equations



E = mc^2

(The atomic mass unit is 1 u = 931.5 MeV/c^2 = 1.67 ×10−27 kg where c is the speed of light.)

The Attempt at a Solution



I've calculated the loss of the the reaction to be 3.37E-28 kg, then tried plugging it into E = mc^2, but it did not work.
 
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3.37E-28 kg
How did you calculate that?
 
Never mind, I did it wrong, I got the correct answer of 183.9 MeV.
 

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