The naturally occurring radioactive isotope ²³²Th does not make good fission fuel, because it has an even number of neutrons; however, it can be bred into a suitable fuel (much as ²³⁸U is bred into ²³⁹P).

(a) What are Z and N for ²³²Th? 

(b) Write the reaction equation for neutron captured by ²³²Th and identify the nuclide AX produced in

(c) The product nucleus β^- decays, as does its daughter. Write the decay equations for each, and identify the final nucleus. 

(d) Confirm that the final nucleus has an odd number of neutrons, making it a better fission fuel. 

(e) Look up the half-life of the final nucleus to see if it lives long enough to be a useful fuel.

Transcribed Image Text:

А n+232 Th→ AX+Y.