Question

5. Using the mass-energy relation E=Δm C

2

, find the energy released in the thermal

neutron fissioning of 92U

235 for the reaction below

92U

235 +0n→

1

92U →

236 Ba+36Kr 89

56

144 +30n

1

given the following masses

92U

235 =235.04395 u

56Ba 144 =143.92000u

36Kr 89 =88.91660 u

n = 1.00867

p = 1.00728​

Answer 1

During nuclear changes, either some mass is converted into energy or some energy is converted into mass. Which occurs is dependent upon the specifics of the individual reaction. From this change in mass we can calculate its energy equivalent using Einstein's equation, E = mc2.