In the fission reaction ²³⁵U + ¹n → ¹⁴¹Ba + ⁹²Kr + x ¹n,what is the number x of neutrons produced?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fission reaction given is $ \text{U}^{235} + \text{n} \rightarrow \text{Ba}^{141} + \text{Kr}^{92} + x\text{n} $. To find the number of neutrons produced (x), we conserve the mass and atomic numbers. The sum of mass numbers before the reaction is 235 (from U) + 1 (from n) = 236. After the reaction, the sum of mass numbers is 141 (from Ba) + 92 (from Kr) + x (from the neutrons, each having a mass number of 1). So, 141 + 92 + x = 236. Solving for x gives x = 236 - 141 - 92 = 3. Therefore, 3 neutrons are produced in this fission reaction.

In the Fission Reaction 235U + 1n → 141Ba

In the Fission Reaction ²³⁵U + ¹n → ¹⁴¹Ba