Video Transcript
In the following example of nuclear
fission, what else is produced but is not shown in the chemical equation? 235 92 U plus 1 0 n forms 141 56 Ba
plus 92 36 Kr plus three 1 0 n. (A) 𝛼 particles, (B) cosmic rays,
(C) 𝛽 particles, (D) energy, or (E) quarks.
Nuclear fission is a process that
splits larger atoms into smaller nuclei, releasing energy in the process. It takes place in nuclear reactors
and power plants and generates electricity.
In most nuclear reactors, the large
atom that splits apart is uranium-235. The uranium-235 turns into
uranium-236 during neutron bombardment and then splits into an atom of barium-144
and krypton-89. The process usually releases two or
three neutrons and a large amount of energy. This energy is released in the form
of heat, which usually is transferred into steam to spin a turbine and produce
electricity. Thus, the reaction above shows the
nuclear fission of uranium.
The reaction also produces energy,
but this is not shown in the chemical equation. So the answer to the question is
(D) energy, which is produced but not shown in the chemical equation.
