Chapter 20, Problem 85AP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The cause of the nuclear accident is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

In nuclear fission reaction, theheavy radioactive element breaks into smaller daughter nuclei with the release of large energy.

The naturally occurring ${}^{235}\text{U}$ decays as follows:

${}^{235}{\text{U + }}^{\text{1}}{}_{\text{0}}\text{n }\to {}^{\text{90}}{}_{\text{38}}{\text{Sr + }}^{\text{143}}{}_{\text{54}}{\text{Xe + 3}}^{\text{1}}{}_{\text{0}}\text{n}$

${}^{235}\text{U}$ has very less binding energy and thus, it undergoes nuclear fission reaction more easily.

Copper element has the power to reflect neutrons.