Chapter 9, Problem 54P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

When Uranium-238 captures a neutron it emits two beta particles and forms plutonium-239 which is a fissionable nuclide. The nuclear reaction should be written along with product nuclide.

Concept Introduction:

Total mass number of all nuclides in reactant side must be equal to the total mass number of all nuclides in product side.

Similarly total atomic number of all nuclides in reactant side must be equal to the total atomic number of all nuclides in product side.