Final answer:
The alpha decay of Pu-239, a subject of Chemistry, involves the release of an alpha particle and results in a new element with a decreased atomic number and mass number. To find the energy released in this process, the mass difference between Pu-239 and its decay products is calculated.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is about the alpha decay of Pu-239 (plutonium-239), a heavy nuclide with an atomic number of 94. Alpha decay results in the emission of an alpha particle and reduces both the mass number and atomic number of the original nucleus, leading to the formation of a new element. In the case of Pu-239, this process is part of a series of reactions known as breeding.
During alpha decay, Pu-239 transforms into a different element while emitting an alpha particle. The steps involved in producing Pu-239 begin with neutron capture by Uranium-238 (U-238), forming U-239, which quickly decays to Neptunium-239 (Np-239) and then to Plutonium-239 through beta decay processes. This transformation chain is crucial in nuclear reactors for generating fissile material from otherwise non-fissile uranium.
To calculate the energy emitted during this alpha decay, one would use the mass-energy equivalence formula E = (Am)c², where Am is the mass difference between the parent nucleus (Pu-239) and the products of the decay:
Am = Mass of Pu-239 – (Mass of alpha particle + Mass of resulting nuclide)