One possible waste product of a nuclear reactor is the nuclide caesium-137 which decays to form...

 

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One possible waste product of a nuclear reactor is the nuclide caesium-137 which decays to form a nuclide of barium (Ba). a) State the nuclear equation for this decay. b) State three quantities that are conserved in the decay. c) The half-life of caesium-137 is 30 years. Determine the fraction of caesium-137 remaining in the waste after 150 years. d) Some waste products in nuclear reactors are good absorbers of neutrons. Suggest why the formation of such waste products requires the removal of the uranium fuel rods well before the uranium is completely used up. One possible waste product of a nuclear reactor is the nuclide caesium-137 which decays to form a nuclide of barium (Ba). a) State the nuclear equation for this decay. b) State three quantities that are conserved in the decay. c) The half-life of caesium-137 is 30 years. Determine the fraction of caesium-137 remaining in the waste after 150 years. d) Some waste products in nuclear reactors are good absorbers of neutrons. Suggest why the formation of such waste products requires the removal of the uranium fuel rods well before the uranium is completely used up.

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a The nuclear equation for the decay of caesium137 Cs137 to form a nuclide of barium Ba is Cs137 Ba137 e b The three quantities that are conserved in ... View the full answer