Plutonium-239 Fission

239Pu + 1n → 134Xe + 103Zr + 31n

Aperçu

Plutonium-239 undergoes neutron-induced fission similar to U-235 but with slightly higher energy release. Pu-239 is produced in reactors when U-238 absorbs a neutron and undergoes two beta decays. MOX fuel (mixed oxide of Pu and U) is used in some commercial reactors to consume excess plutonium.

Participants

Rôle Substance Coefficient État
Réactif Plutonium Pu 1 (s)
Produit Xenon Xe 1 (g)
Produit Zirconium Zr 1 (s)

Exemple du quotidien

Plutonium-238 (a different isotope) powers NASA space probes like Voyager, Curiosity, and the Perseverance Mars rover.

Importance industrielle

Pu-239 is used in nuclear weapons and MOX reactor fuel. Plutonium management is a central issue in nuclear non-proliferation.

Propriétés

Type
Nuclear
Réversible
Non
Énergie
Exothermique
ΔH
-20000000000,0 kJ/mol

Réactions associées

Alpha Decay of Radium-226 Alpha Decay of Radon-222 Alpha Decay of Thorium-232 Neutron Capture by Uranium-238 Beta Decay of Iodine-131 Beta Decay of Strontium-90 Alpha Decay of Polonium-210 Americium-241 Alpha Decay Beta Decay of Cobalt-60 Electron Capture by Beryllium-7

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Plutonium-239 Fission?
The balanced equation is: ²³⁹Pu + ¹n → ¹³⁴Xe + ¹⁰³Zr + 3¹n.
What type of reaction is Plutonium-239 Fission?
Plutonium-239 Fission is a nuclear reaction.
Is Plutonium-239 Fission exothermic or endothermic?
Plutonium-239 Fission is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -20000000000.0 kJ/mol.