Consider The Nuclear Equation Below.$\[ {}_{92}^{235} U \longrightarrow X + {}_2^4 He \\]What Is The Nuclide Symbol Of \[$X\$\]?A. \[${ }_{94}^{231} Fu\$\]B. \[${ }_{90}^{235} Th\$\]C. \[${ }_{94}^{239} Fu\$\]D.
Introduction to Nuclear Reactions
Nuclear reactions involve the interaction of atomic nuclei, resulting in changes to the nucleus itself. These reactions can be either nuclear fission, where a heavy nucleus splits into two or more lighter nuclei, or nuclear fusion, where two or more light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. In this article, we will focus on a specific nuclear reaction and use it to understand the concept of nuclide symbols.
The Given Nuclear Equation
The given nuclear equation is:
{ {}_{92}^{235} U \longrightarrow X + {}_2^4 He \}
In this equation, we have a uranium-235 nucleus (${_{92}^{235} U}$) that undergoes a reaction, resulting in the formation of a new nucleus, X, and a helium-4 nucleus (${_2^4 He}$).
Understanding Nuclide Symbols
A nuclide symbol is a way to represent a specific atomic nucleus. It consists of three parts:
- Atomic Number: The atomic number is the number of protons present in the nucleus. It is denoted by a subscript number.
- Mass Number: The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons present in the nucleus. It is denoted by a superscript number.
- Element Symbol: The element symbol is the symbol of the element represented by the nuclide.
Balancing the Nuclear Equation
To find the nuclide symbol of X, we need to balance the nuclear equation. This involves ensuring that the atomic numbers and mass numbers on both sides of the equation are equal.
Step 1: Calculate the Atomic Number of X
The atomic number of the uranium-235 nucleus is 92. The atomic number of the helium-4 nucleus is 2. Therefore, the atomic number of X can be calculated as follows:
{ 92 - 2 = 90 \}
Step 2: Calculate the Mass Number of X
The mass number of the uranium-235 nucleus is 235. The mass number of the helium-4 nucleus is 4. Therefore, the mass number of X can be calculated as follows:
{ 235 - 4 = 231 \}
Step 3: Determine the Element Symbol of X
The element with an atomic number of 90 is thorium. Therefore, the element symbol of X is Th.
Conclusion
Based on the calculations above, the nuclide symbol of X is ${_{90}^{231} Th}$.
Discussion
The given nuclear equation represents a nuclear fission reaction, where a uranium-235 nucleus splits into a thorium-231 nucleus and a helium-4 nucleus. This reaction is an example of a nuclear reaction that can occur in a nuclear reactor or in a nuclear explosion.
Answer
The correct answer is B. ${_{90}^{235} Th}$.
Introduction
In our previous article, we explored a nuclear reaction and used it to understand the concept of nuclide symbols. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions related to nuclear reactions and nuclide symbols.
Q&A
Q1: What is a nuclear reaction?
A1: A nuclear reaction is a process in which an atomic nucleus interacts with another nucleus or a subatomic particle, resulting in changes to the nucleus itself.
Q2: What are the two main types of nuclear reactions?
A2: The two main types of nuclear reactions are nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. Nuclear fission is a process in which a heavy nucleus splits into two or more lighter nuclei, while nuclear fusion is a process in which two or more light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus.
Q3: What is a nuclide symbol?
A3: A nuclide symbol is a way to represent a specific atomic nucleus. It consists of three parts: the atomic number, the mass number, and the element symbol.
Q4: How do you balance a nuclear equation?
A4: To balance a nuclear equation, you need to ensure that the atomic numbers and mass numbers on both sides of the equation are equal. This involves calculating the atomic number and mass number of the unknown nucleus and using them to determine the element symbol.
Q5: What is the difference between atomic number and mass number?
A5: The atomic number is the number of protons present in the nucleus, while the mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons present in the nucleus.
Q6: How do you determine the element symbol of a nuclide?
A6: The element symbol of a nuclide is determined by its atomic number. Each element has a unique atomic number, and the element symbol is the symbol of the element represented by that atomic number.
Q7: What is the significance of nuclear reactions in everyday life?
A7: Nuclear reactions have many practical applications in everyday life, including nuclear power generation, medical treatments, and food irradiation.
Q8: What are some common examples of nuclear reactions?
A8: Some common examples of nuclear reactions include nuclear fission in nuclear power plants, nuclear fusion in the sun, and radioactive decay in certain isotopes.
Q9: How do you represent a nuclear reaction in a chemical equation?
A9: A nuclear reaction is represented in a chemical equation by using a special notation, where the reactants and products are represented by their nuclide symbols.
Q10: What is the difference between a nuclear reaction and a chemical reaction?
A10: A nuclear reaction involves changes to the nucleus of an atom, while a chemical reaction involves changes to the electrons of an atom.
Conclusion
Nuclear reactions and nuclide symbols are fundamental concepts in nuclear physics. Understanding these concepts is essential for appreciating the many practical applications of nuclear reactions in everyday life.
Discussion
The questions and answers in this article provide a comprehensive overview of nuclear reactions and nuclide symbols. We hope that this article has been helpful in clarifying any doubts you may have had about these concepts.
Answer
The answers to the questions in this article are provided above.
Further Reading
For further reading on nuclear reactions and nuclide symbols, we recommend the following resources:
- "Nuclear Physics" by Kenneth S. Krane
- "Introduction to Nuclear Physics" by David Halliday and Robert Resnick
- "Nuclear Reactions" by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
We hope that this article has been helpful in your understanding of nuclear reactions and nuclide symbols. If you have any further questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us.