Question

Neutron bombardment fragmentation of ${}_{92}{U}^{235}$ occurs according to the equation :
${}_{92}{U}^{235}{+}_0{n}^1{\to }_{42}M{o}^{98}{+}_{54}X{e}^{135}+x_{-1}{e}^o+y_0{n}^1$
Calculate the values of x and y.

Answer 1

${}_{92}{U}^{235}{+}_0{n}^1{\to }_{42}M{o}^{98}{+}_{54}X{e}^{136}+x_{-1}{e}^0+y_0{n}^1$
Let x and y are the number of $\beta$-particles and neutrons emitted respectively.
Comparing the mass numbers,
$235+1=98+136+x\left(0\right)+y\left(1\right)$
$236=234+y$
$\therefore y=236-234=2$
The number of neutrons, minted = 2 Comparing the atomic numbers,
$92=42+54+x-1)+y(0)$
$92=96-x$
$\therefore x=96-92=4$
The number of $\beta$- particles emitted = 4.
So, the equation is
${}_{92}{U}^{235}{+}_0{n}^1{\to }_{42}M{o}^{98}{+}_{54}X{e}^{136}+4_{-1}{e}^0+2_0{n}^1$