239 Pu is produced in breeder reactors by successive reactions in which 238 U is bombarded by...

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239Pu is produced in breeder reactors by successive reactions in which 238U is bombarded by neutrons and the product decays by two successive beta emissions.

(a) Write the equations for the three nuclear reactions.

(b) Inhalation of 239Pu, which decays by alpha emission, can cause lung cancer. Explain why inhalation of 239Pu may be more dangerous than getting an equal quantity of the isotope on the skin.

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Chemistry For Engineering Students

ISBN: 9780357026991

4th Edition

Authors: Lawrence S. Brown, Tom Holme

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