Chapter 40, Problem 13A

To determine

Whether the fission fragments from nuclear reactor light, medium and heavy elements.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The nuclear fission reaction is the reaction in which the nucleus of heavy element disintegrates into medium or heavy elements by absorbing the neutron.

The elements produced in the fission reaction may be medium or heavy elements depending on the primary element. If the nucleus of primary element is very heavy, then it splits into two heavy elements or one heavy and one medium element.

If the nucleus of heavy element is unstable, then it further undergoes to fission reaction.

Conclusion:

Thus, the fission fragments from a nuclear reactor are heavy elements.