Question

6.) In which reaction below is mass converted to

energy by the process of fission?
(a) ¹4/N + 'n → ¹4 ( + ', H
7
(b) 235 U+√n → Br+14% 0% Lat 3 ón
146.
57
35
+
88 Ra Ra He
222
86
→
и
(d) ² H + ² H → ²₂ He
(c) 226

Answer 1

Option (b) represents the fission reaction where mass is converted to energy, specifically in the fission of uranium-235. This process involves a neutron being absorbed by the uranium nucleus leading to its split into smaller nuclei, releasing energy. Therefore, the correct option is B.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reaction in which mass is converted to energy by the process of fission is option (b) 235U + n → Br + 14₉₅La + 3 n. In this reaction, a uranium-235 nucleus absorbs a neutron, becoming unstable and splitting into smaller nuclei, in this case, bromine and lanthanum, and additional free neutrons. This reaction releases a significant amount of energy due to the conversion of a small amount of the mass of the reactants into energy, as described by Einstein's mass-energy equivalence principle E=mc².

The mass defect and subsequent energy release in a fission process can be calculated using the masses of the reactants and products. To ensure the calculation accuracy, one must confirm that the number of nucleons (protons and neutrons) and the total charge are conserved in the fission reaction.