Chapter 21: Problem 20
Give the symbol for (a) a neutron, (b) an alpha particle, (c) gamma radiation.
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The Sun radiates energy into space at the rate of \(3.9 \times 10^{26} \mathrm{~J} / \mathrm{s}\). (a) Calculate the rate of mass loss from the Sun in \(\mathrm{kg} / \mathrm{s}\). (b) How does this mass loss arise? (c) It is estimated that the Sun contains \(9 \times 10^{56}\) free protons. How many protons per second are consumed in nuclear reactions in the Sun?
Write balanced equations for (a) \({ }_{92}^{238} \mathrm{U}(\alpha, \mathrm{n})_{{ }_{94}^{24}}^{24} \mathrm{Pu}\), (b) \({ }_{7}^{14} \mathrm{~N}(\alpha, \mathrm{p})_{8}^{17} \mathrm{O},(\mathrm{c}){ }_{26}^{56} \mathrm{Fe}\left(\alpha, \beta^{-}\right)_{29}^{60} \mathrm{Cu}\).
Complete and balance the following nuclear equations by supplying the missing particle: (a) \({ }_{58}^{252} \mathrm{Cf}+{ }_{5}^{10} \mathrm{~B} \longrightarrow 3{ }_{0}^{1} \mathrm{n}+\) ? (b) \({ }_{1}^{2} \mathrm{H}+{ }_{2}^{3} \mathrm{He} \longrightarrow{ }_{2}^{4} \mathrm{He}+\) ? (c) \({ }_{1}^{1} \mathrm{H}+{ }_{5}^{11} \mathrm{~B} \longrightarrow 3\) ? (d) \({ }_{53}^{122} \mathrm{I} \longrightarrow{ }_{54}^{122} \mathrm{Xe}+\) ? (e) \({ }_{26}^{59} \mathrm{Fe} \longrightarrow{ }_{-1}^{0} \mathrm{e}+\) ?
The average energy released in the fission of a single uranium-235 nucleus is about \(3 \times 10^{-11} \mathrm{~J}\). If the conversion of this energy to electricity in a nuclear power plant is \(40 \%\) efficient, what mass of uranium- 235 undergoes fission in a year in a plant that produces 1000 megawatts? Recall that a watt is \(1 \mathrm{~J} / \mathrm{s}\).
Using the concept of magic numbers, explain why alpha emission is relatively common, but proton emission is nonexistent.
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