Chapter 32, Problem 48PE

The naturally occurring radioactive isotope ²³²Th does not make good fission fuel, because it has an even number of neurons; however, it can be bred into a suitable fuel (much as ²³⁸U is bred into ²³⁹P).

(a) What are Z and N for ²³²Th?

(b) Write the reaction equation for neutron captured by ²³²Th and identify the nuclide ^AX produced in $n{+}^{232}\text{Th}{\to }^A\text{X}+\gamma$.

(c) The product nucleus β⁻ decays, as does its daughter. Write me decay equations for each, and identify the final nucleus.

(d) Conform that the final nucleus has an odd number of neutrons, making it a better fission fuel.

(e) Look up the half−life of the final nucleus to see if it lives long enough to be a useful fuel.