Identify the missing atom or subatomic particle, AZX, for the following reactions. Then, classify each nuclear reaction represented below as a fission or fusion reaction. (Enter your answer in the form A X Z.) (a) 23392U + 10n → 13351Sb + AZX + 3 10n

Answer: A X Z is 98 Nb 41

Explanation:

In balancing nuclear equations, we observe the following rules:

I. The total number of protons and neutrons in the products and reactants must be the same (conservation of mass number).

II. The total number of nuclear charges in the products and reactants must be the same (conservation of atomic number).

Examples: Balance the following nuclear equations (that is, identify the product X)

I. 21284Po = 20882Pb + X

II. 13755Cs = 13756Ba + X

Solution

I. 21284Po = 20882Pb + 4He2

II. 13755Cs = 13756Ba + 0e-1

So, for (I) X is an alpha particle, (II) X is an electron.

For your question, the nuclear equation is:

(a) 23392U + 10n = 13351 Sb + 98Nb41 + 3 10n

Check to see if the equation is balanced:

Mass number of reactants: 233+1 = 234

Mass number of products:

133+98 + (3x1) = 234

Nuclear charge of reactants:

92+0 = 92

Nuclear charge of products:

51+41 + (3x0) = 92.

This reaction (a) is a nuclear fission reaction.

Nuclear fission is a process in which a heavy nucleus (mass number greater than 200) divides to form smaller nuclei of intermediate mass with a release of energy and radiation.

This is applied in the design of the atomic or fission bomb.