Complete and balance the following nuclear equations by supplying the missing particle: (e) 23592U + 10n¡13554Xe + 2 10n + ?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of nuclear reaction. This is a fission reaction where a heavy nucleus splits into smaller nuclei.
2. Write down the given nuclear equation: \( ^{235}_{92}\text{U} + ^{1}_{0}\text{n} \rightarrow ^{135}_{54}\text{Xe} + 2 \, ^{1}_{0}\text{n} + ? \).
3. Apply the law of conservation of mass and atomic numbers. The sum of mass numbers and atomic numbers on both sides of the equation must be equal.
4. Calculate the total mass number on the left side: \( 235 + 1 = 236 \). Calculate the total mass number on the right side: \( 135 + 2 \times 1 + A = 236 \). Solve for \( A \).
5. Calculate the total atomic number on the left side: \( 92 + 0 = 92 \). Calculate the total atomic number on the right side: \( 54 + 2 \times 0 + Z = 92 \). Solve for \( Z \).

Key Concepts

Nuclear Reactions

Nuclear reactions involve changes in an atom's nucleus and can result in the transformation of one element into another. They typically include the emission or absorption of particles such as neutrons, protons, or alpha particles. Understanding the types of nuclear reactions, such as fission and fusion, is essential for balancing nuclear equations.

Balancing Nuclear Equations

Balancing nuclear equations requires ensuring that both the mass number and atomic number are conserved. This means that the sum of the mass numbers and the sum of the atomic numbers on both sides of the equation must be equal. Identifying the missing particle involves calculating the difference in mass and atomic numbers between the reactants and products.

Isotopes and Nuclear Notation

Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different mass numbers. Nuclear notation is used to represent isotopes, where the mass number is written as a superscript and the atomic number as a subscript. Understanding isotopes is crucial for identifying the particles involved in nuclear reactions.