Question

which equation represents a fission reaction?
( _ { 7 } ^ { 14 } n + _ { 1 } ^ { 1 } h
ightarrow _ { 8 } ^ { 15 } o )
( _ { 92 } ^ { 235 } u + _ { 0 } ^ { 1 } n
ightarrow _ { 56 } ^ { 140 } c a + _ { 36 } ^ { 94 } k r + 2 _ { 0 } ^ { 1 } n )
( _ { 4 } ^ { 8 } b e + _ { 4 } ^ { 4 } h e
ightarrow _ { 6 } ^ { 12 } c + _ { 0 } ^ { 1 } n )
( _ { 93 } ^ { 239 } n p
ightarrow _ { 94 } ^ { 239 } p u + _ { - 1 } ^ { 0 } e )

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the definition of fission reaction

Nuclear fission is a reaction in which a heavy nucleus splits into smaller nuclei.

Step2: Analyze each option

• Option 1: \(_{7}^{14}N+_{1}^{1}H

ightarrow_{8}^{15}O\) is a nuclear - synthesis reaction (a type of nuclear reaction where a new nucleus is formed by combining smaller nuclei).

• Option 2: \(_{92}^{235}U+_{0}^{1}n

ightarrow_{56}^{140}Ba+_{36}^{94}Kr + 2_{0}^{1}n\) shows a heavy nucleus (\(_{92}^{235}U\)) splitting into smaller nuclei (\(_{56}^{140}Ba\) and \(_{36}^{94}Kr\)) along with the release of neutrons. This is a fission reaction.

• Option 3: \(_{4}^{9}Be+_{2}^{4}He

ightarrow_{6}^{12}C+_{0}^{1}n\) is a nuclear - synthesis reaction (similar to the first option, combining smaller nuclei to form a new nucleus).

• Option 4: \(_{93}^{239}Np

ightarrow_{94}^{239}Pu+_{- 1}^{0}e\) is a beta - decay reaction (a type of radioactive decay where a beta particle is emitted).

Answer:

\(_{92}^{235}U+_{0}^{1}n
ightarrow_{56}^{140}Ba+_{36}^{94}Kr + 2_{0}^{1}n\) (the second option)