Final answer:
The nuclear reaction for the neutron-induced fission of Uranium-235 to form Xenon-144 and Strontium-90 can be represented by the balanced equation ^{235}_{92}U + ^1_0n → ^{144}_{54}Xe + ^{90}_{38}Sr + 2^1_0n, adhering to the conservation of mass and charge.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks us to write the nuclear reaction for the neutron-induced fission of Uranium-235 to form Xenon-144 and Strontium-90. A neutron is captured by a Uranium-235 nucleus, which then undergoes fission into two smaller nuclei, along with additional neutrons and energy released.
The balanced nuclear equation for this process is:
^{235}_{92}U + ^1_0n → ^{144}_{54}Xe + ^{90}_{38}Sr + 2^1_0n
Here's the step-by-step explanation for balancing:
- Tally the number of protons: Uranium-235 has 92 protons, so the products must also have a combined total of 92 protons (54 for Xenon and 38 for Strontium).
- Tally the number of nucleons (both protons and neutrons): Uranium-235, plus one neutron, makes 236 nucleons. Thus, the products (Xenon-144 and Strontium-90) must also have a total of 236 nucleons. Since Xenon and Strontium together have 234 nucleons, two additional free neutrons are released to balance the nucleon number.
- Ensure mass and charge conservation: The equation balances mass on both sides and shows charge conservation, with the atomic numbers (protons) and mass numbers (protons plus neutrons) adding up correctly.