During the nuclear fission of Uranium-235 triggered by the absorption of a slow neutron, one of the — Nuclear Chemistry and Radioactivity Chemistry Question
Question
During the nuclear fission of Uranium-235 triggered by the absorption of a slow neutron, one of the possible fragmentation pathways yields Xenon-139 and Strontium-94. How many neutrons accompany the formation of these specific products?
Answer: D
💡 Solution & Explanation
The balanced nuclear fission equation is: ${}_{92}^{235}U + {}_{0}^{1}n \rightarrow {}_{54}^{139}Xe + {}_{38}^{94}Sr + x {}_{0}^{1}n$. Balancing the mass numbers: $235 + 1 = 139 + 94 + x(1) \Rightarrow 236 = 233 + x \Rightarrow x = 3$. Therefore, $3$ neutrons are emitted.
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