How much energy is released in the fission of 1 kg of ²³⁵U according to the equation below? The experimentally determined masses of the products are 136.92532 u and 96.91095 u, respectively. (The masses of ²³⁵U and the neutron are given in Example Problem 14.6.)

Data from example problem 14.6

Explain the following:

(a) The ratio of ¹⁴C to ¹²C in a living plant is constant.

(b) The constant ratio cited in part (a) is a steady-state condition, not an equilibrium.