Plutonium-239 Fission

239Pu + 1n → 134Xe + 103Zr + 31n

Overview

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

Role Substance Coefficient State
Reactant Plutonium Pu 1 (s)
Product Xenon Xe 1 (g)
Product Zirconium Zr 1 (s)

Everyday Example

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

Industrial Importance

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

Properties

Type
Nuclear
Reversible
No
Energy
Exothermic
ΔH
-20000000000.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Alpha Decay of Polonium-210 Alpha Decay of Radium-226 Alpha Decay of Radon-222 Alpha Decay of Thorium-232 Alpha Decay of Uranium-238 Americium-241 Alpha Decay Beta Decay of Carbon-14 Beta Decay of Cesium-137 Beta Decay of Cobalt-60 Beta Decay of Iodine-131

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.