Why Is Krypton the Product in This Nuclear Reaction?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a nuclear reaction involving Uranium-235 and a neutron, where participants are trying to identify the unknown element produced in the reaction, denoted as X. The context is set within a nuclear physics framework, specifically focusing on nuclear fission processes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various methods for identifying the unknown element, including attempts to balance atomic numbers and mass numbers. There is also mention of converting energy values to mass using the mass-energy equivalence principle, although this approach led to confusion for one participant.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different angles to approach the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the importance of atomic numbers in determining chemical elements, and there is an acknowledgment of the need to simplify the problem-solving approach.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes their current educational level, indicating they are preparing for the Leaving Cert in Ireland, which may influence their familiarity with advanced concepts in nuclear physics.

Hooly
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Can someone please explain to me why the answer to the following question is Krypton? A step by step solution would be ideal please!

(b)The following reaction occurs in a nuclear reactor:

235U+01n →141Ba+X+301n+202.5MeV
(i) Identify the element X.

Many thanks!
(Question is Q12 b part i from the 2010 Irish state physics exam http://examinations.ie/archive/exampapers/2010/LC021ALP000EV.pdf )
 
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I initially took this approach;
235 + 1 -141 -3(1) which is equal to 92. When I checked the answer this was incorrect. Then went down the route of converting the MeV to joules and subbing that value into the mass- energy equivalence formula in order to find the mass, and then using the unified atomic mass unit value (1.6605402x10^-27 kg) to try to find the element represented by the energy, at which point I got lost and have been unable to proceed further. Bear in mind I am 18 and studying for my Leaving Cert in Ireland (equivalent of SATs in US I think) so I am not at an advanced level
 
Which number determines the chemical element?
 
Do you guys just reply with questions? :P But yes I realized earlier that atomic number was the way to go, wasn't thinking straight, over complicated it. Many thanks ✌️
 
Hooly said:
Do you guys just reply with questions? :P
The idea is to help you to find the answer, and questions often work best.
 

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