Chapter 17, Problem 89E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The nuclear equations that represent the process of bombardment of $\text{U-238}$ by neutrons and undergoing two sequential beta decays are to be written.

Concept Introduction: A breeder nuclear reactor is a reactor in which non fissionable (nonfissile) U-238 is converted into fissionable (fissile) Pu-239.

The bombardment of nuclei with a neutron increases the mass number of nuclei by one.

Nuclei that contain too many neutrons often undergo beta (β) decay, in which a neutron is converted to a proton and a high-energy electron that is ejected from the nucleus as a β particle:

When nuclei undergo beta decay it atomic number increase by one as it has one extra proton.