Which type of reaction occurs in the core of a nuclear reactor in a nuclear power plant?
[tex]HCl + NaOH \rightarrow H _2 O + NaCl[/tex]
[tex]{ }_{92}^{235} U +{ }_0^1 n \rightarrow{ }_{38}^{90} Sr +{ }_{54}^{143} Xe +3_0^1 n[/tex]
[tex]{ }_{38}^{90} Sr +{ }_{54}^{143} Xe +3_0^1 n \rightarrow{ }_{92}^{238} U +{ }_0^1 n[/tex]
[tex]C _{10} H _8+12 O _2 \rightarrow 10 CO _2+4 H _2 O[/tex]
Answer (2)
The problem asks to identify the reaction in a nuclear reactor core.
Analyze the provided equations to identify the nuclear fission reaction.
The nuclear fission reaction is represented by 92 235 U + 0 1 ni g h t ha r p oo n u p 38 90 S r + 54 143 X e + 3 0 1 n .
Therefore, the reaction in a nuclear reactor core is 92 235 U + 0 1 ni g h t ha r p oo n u p 38 90 S r + 54 143 X e + 3 0 1 n .
Explanation
Identifying the Problem We are asked to identify the type of reaction that occurs in the core of a nuclear reactor. We are given four chemical equations and need to determine which one represents the reaction in a nuclear reactor.
Analyzing the Equations Let's analyze each equation:
H Cl + N a O H i g h t ha r p oo n u p H 2 O + N a Cl : This is a neutralization reaction between an acid ( H Cl ) and a base ( N a O H ), producing water and a salt ( N a Cl ). This is a chemical reaction, not a nuclear reaction.
92 235 U + 0 1 ni g h t ha r p oo n u p 38 90 S r + 54 143 X e + 3 0 1 n : This equation represents the nuclear fission of Uranium-235 ( 235 U ) upon capturing a neutron ( n ). The products are Strontium-90 ( 90 S r ), Xenon-143 ( 143 X e ), and three neutrons. This is a nuclear reaction.
38 90 S r + 54 143 X e + 3 0 1 ni g h t ha r p oo n u p 92 238 U + 0 1 n : This equation is not balanced and does not represent a typical nuclear reaction. It seems to be the reverse of fission, which is not what happens in a reactor.
C 10 H 8 + 12 O 2 i g h t ha r p oo n u p 10 C O 2 + 4 H 2 O : This is a combustion reaction, where naphthalene ( C 10 H 8 ) reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. This is a chemical reaction, not a nuclear reaction.
Determining the Reaction Type Nuclear reactors use nuclear fission to generate energy. The second equation, 92 235 U + 0 1 ni g h t ha r p oo n u p 38 90 S r + 54 143 X e + 3 0 1 n , represents the fission of Uranium-235, which is the type of reaction that occurs in the core of a nuclear reactor.
Final Answer Therefore, the reaction that occurs in the core of a nuclear reactor is nuclear fission, represented by the equation: 92 235 U + 0 1 ni g h t ha r p oo n u p 38 90 S r + 54 143 X e + 3 0 1 n
Examples
Nuclear fission, the reaction at the heart of nuclear reactors, plays a crucial role in generating electricity. By splitting heavy atoms like uranium, reactors release tremendous amounts of energy, which heats water to create steam. This steam then drives turbines connected to generators, producing electricity that powers homes and industries. Understanding nuclear fission helps us appreciate the complex processes behind a significant source of energy.
The reaction that occurs in the core of a nuclear reactor is nuclear fission, specifically represented by the equation: 92 235 U + 0 1 n → 38 90 S r + 54 143 X e + 3 0 1 n . This reaction involves the splitting of Uranium-235 when it captures a neutron, releasing energy and additional neutrons. Nuclear fission is crucial for generating the energy used in electricity production.
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