Nuclear Fission Example Equation: Understanding the Process

Nuclear fission is a process in which an atomic nucleus splits into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the process. One common example of this is the fission reaction that occurs when plutonium-239 absorbs a neutron and undergoes a reaction to form an atom of gold-204 and an atom of phosphorus-31.

The balanced nuclear equation for this process is:

235U + 1n → 139Ba + 94Kr + 3 1n + energy

In this equation, the uranium-235 nucleus absorbs a neutron (n) and undergoes fission, resulting in the formation of two smaller nuclei: barium-139 (Ba) and krypton-94 (Kr). Three neutrons are also released as part of the reaction. The overall reaction releases a significant amount of energy, which can be harnessed for various purposes.

One of the key aspects of nuclear fission is its ability to be controlled through the careful addition of extra neutrons into a sample of uranium. This allows scientists to initiate and regulate the fission process, resulting in a controlled release of energy.

In contrast, nuclear fusion is the process by which two or more atomic nuclei combine to form a single, heavier nucleus. Fusion reactions typically require extremely high temperatures and pressures, making them more challenging to control than fission reactions.

So, where does nuclear energy come from? The answer lies in the difference in mass between the reactants and products of a nuclear reaction. According to Albert Einstein's theory of relativity, energy (E) and mass (m) are related by the equation E = mc^2. When a nucleus undergoes fission or fusion, a small amount of mass is converted into energy, which is released as heat.

In the case of uranium-235 fission, the mass difference between the reactants and products is approximately 0.0001834 kg. This mass difference is converted into energy, resulting in a release of approximately 16.5 billion kilojoules per mole of uranium-235 that undergoes the reaction. This is an extraordinary amount of energy, making nuclear reactions a significant source of power for our society.

In conclusion, nuclear fission is a complex process that involves the controlled splitting of atomic nuclei to release energy. Understanding this process and its underlying equations is crucial for harnessing the vast potential of nuclear energy.

Nuclear fission example equation