Question

Breeder reactors are used to convert the nonfissionable nuclide U-238 to a fissionable product. Neutron capture by the U-238 is followed by two successive beta decays. What is the final fissionable product? Product

Answer 1

Pu-239

Step-by-step explanation:

Beta decay moves the element which undergoes the decay one place to the right in the periodic table since to conserve charge and being beta radiations an electron we convert a neutron into a proton and an electron. In neutron capture we increase the atomic mas by one unit. We that in mind, lets solve the question:

U-238 + ₁⁰ n ⇒ U-239 ⇒ Np -239 + ₋₁⁰β ⇒ Pu-239 + ₋₁⁰β