Chapter U1.15, Problem 1TAI

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Nuclear reactions must be explained.

Concept introduction:

Nuclear reactions are those which involve the generation of new nuclides due to fission or fusion.

Answer to Problem 1TAI

A nuclear reaction is a reaction in which two or more nuclides undergo bombardment leading to the generation of new nuclides which are generally known as daughter nuclides.

Explanation of Solution

A nuclear reaction can be a fission or fusion reaction. In nuclear fission reaction a heavy nuclides is broken down into smaller nuclides with the help of bombardment of the heavy nuclides with fast moving particles like neutron.

In nuclear fusion reaction, two or more than two lighter nuclides collides and produces a heavier nuclides. For example, protons are undergoing fusion in sun to produce nuclide of helium.

When a Uranium atom emits one alpha particle it is converted to a thorium atom. It is a nuclear reaction which is undergoing alpha decay.

${}_{92}{U}^{238}{\to }_{90}T{h}^{234}{+}_{2}H{e}^4$

Conclusion

Thus, a nuclear reaction is a reaction in which two or more nuclides undergo bombardment leading to the generation of new nuclides which are generally known as daughter nuclides.