Question

Many fear that nuclear power reactor technology will increase the likelihood of nuclear war because reactors can be used not only to produce electrical energy but also, as a by-product through neutron capture with inexpensive${}^{\mathbf{238}}\mathit{U}$ , to make${}^{\mathbf{239}}\mathit{P}\mathit{u}$ , which is a “fuel” for nuclear bombs. What simple series of reactions involving neutron capture and beta decay would yield this plutonium isotope?

Short answer

The reactions are${}^{238}U+n{\to }^{239}Np+e+v$ , and${}^{239}Np{\to }^{239}Pu+e+v$ .

Step-by-step solution

Describe the given information                      

It is required to write the equation for the production of${}^{\mathbf{239}}\mathbf{Pu}$ with the help of${}^{\mathbf{238}}\mathit{U}$ .

Write the simple series of reactions involving neutron capture and beta decay to yield plutonium isotope

It is known that the atomic number of the plutonium which is z = 94 , is greater than the atomic number of the uranium z = 92 by two. So, two electrons must be emitted so that the nucleus can gain a +2e charge.

In other word, the uranium nucleus can capture a neutron an then undergo a beta decay two times as shown below.

$$\begin{gathered} {}^{238}U+n{\to }^{239}Np+e+v \\ {}^{239}Np{\to }^{239}Pu+e+v \end{gathered}$$

Therefore, the reactions are${}^{238}U+n{\to }^{239}Np+e+v$ , and${}^{239}Np{\to }^{239}Pu+e+v$ .