A uranium nucleus can undergo nuclear fission when bombarded with a neutron - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 2 - 2006 - Paper 1
Question 2
A uranium nucleus can undergo nuclear fission when bombarded with a neutron. In one such fission reaction, two neutrons are released and two different new nuclei for... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A uranium nucleus can undergo nuclear fission when bombarded with a neutron - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 2 - 2006 - Paper 1
Step 1
How many neutrons are present in a nucleus of \(^{235}_{92}U\)?
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
To find the number of neutrons in a nucleus, we can use the formula:
[ N = A - Z ]
where (N) is the number of neutrons, (A) is the mass number, and (Z) is the atomic number. For uranium (^{235}{92}U):
[ N = 235 - 92 = 143 ]
Thus, there are 143 neutrons in a nucleus of (^{235}{92}U).
Step 2
To which section of the periodic table does uranium belong?
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Uranium belongs to the actinides series in the periodic table, which are typically found in the f-block.
Step 3
What is the:
96%
101 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
i. chemical symbol for element X
The chemical symbol for element X is (^{96}_{38}Sr) (Strontium).
ii. mass number of the above isotope of element X?
The mass number of element X is 96.
Step 4
Predict two properties of the element zirconium.
98%
120 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Zirconium has a high melting point, typically around 1855 °C.
Zirconium is known for its resistance to corrosion and is often used in applications where durability and strength are important.
