Question

Suppose an atom of uranium-235 undergoes fission when bombarded with a neutron to yield an atom of xenon-143, 3 neutrons, and another unknown product. Identify the nuclear symbol for the unknown product. Tip: To restore the module to its original state click the button that looks like two red arrows

Answer 1

Answer: The isotopic symbol of unknown isotope is $_{38}^{89}\textrm{Sr}$

Explanation:

Nuclear fission reactions are defined as the reactions in which a heavier nuclei breaks down in two or more smaller nuclei.

In a nuclear reaction, the total mass and total atomic number remains the same.

For the given fission reaction:

$^{235}_{92}\textrm{U}+^1_0\textrm{n}\rightarrow ^A_Z\textrm{X}+^{143}_{54}\textrm{Xe}+3^1_0\textrm{n}$

• To calculate A:

Total mass on reactant side = total mass on product side

235 + 1 = A + 143 + 3

A = 90

• To calculate Z:

Total atomic number on reactant side = total atomic number on product side

92 + 0 = Z + 54 + 0

Z = 38

The element having atomic number equal to 38 is Strontium.

Hence, the isotopic symbol of unknown isotope is $_{38}^{89}\textrm{Sr}$