Chapter 18, Problem 43QAP

Interpretation Introduction

(a)

Interpretation:

The value of $\Delta m$ for the decay of 1 mole of Pu-239 needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

The mass defect for any nuclear reaction is the change in masses of the species involved in the process.

For a general nuclear reaction as follows:

$A\to B+C$

The mass defect can be calculated as follows:

$m_B+m_C-m_A$

Here, m is atomic mass of A, B and C atoms.

Interpretation Introduction

(b)

Interpretation:

The amount of energy released in decay of 2.00 mg of Pu-239 needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

From the mass defect, the change in energy can be calculated as follows:

$\Delta E=\Delta m{c}^2$

Here, $\Delta m$ is change in mass and c is speed of light. If the value is negative, the energy is released, if it is positive the energy is required for the reaction.