To determine which equation represents a fission reaction, it's important to understand what characterizes a fission reaction in nuclear chemistry. Fission is the process in which a heavy nucleus splits into two lighter nuclei, accompanied by the release of energy and additional neutrons.
Let’s analyze each equation:
1. [tex]\({ }_7^{14} N + { }_1^1 H \longrightarrow { }_8^{15} O\)[/tex]:
This represents a fusion reaction, where two lighter nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus.
2. [tex]\({}_{92}^{235} U + { }_0^1 n \longrightarrow { }_{55}^{140} Cs + { }_{37}^{94} Rb + 2{ }_0^1 n\)[/tex]:
This represents a fission reaction. Here, a heavy uranium-235 nucleus absorbs a neutron and splits into two smaller nuclei, cesium-140 and rubidium-94, along with the release of additional neutrons and energy.
3. [tex]\({ }_4^9 Be + { }_2^4 He \longrightarrow { }_6^{12} C + { }_0^1 n\)[/tex]:
This represents a different type of nuclear reaction (fusion) where two light nuclei, beryllium-9 and helium-4, combine to form a heavier carbon-12 nucleus while releasing a neutron.
4. [tex]\({ }_{93}^{239} Np \longrightarrow { }_{94}^{239} Pu + { }_{-1}^0 e\)[/tex]:
This represents a beta decay reaction, where a neutron in the neptunium-239 nucleus decays into a proton, emitting an electron (beta particle) and leading to the formation of plutonium-239.
Based on the analysis:
The equation [tex]\({}_{92}^{235} U + { }_0^1 n \longrightarrow { }_{55}^{140} Cs + { }_{37}^{94} Rb + 2{ }_0^1 n\)[/tex] represents the fission reaction.
So, the correct answer is:
[tex]\({ }_{92}^{235} U + { }_0^1 n \longrightarrow { }_{55}^{140} Cs + { }_{37}^{94} Rb + 2{ }_0^1 n\)[/tex].
