The spent fuel elements from a fission reactor are much more intensely radioactive than the original fuel elements. (b) Given that only two or three neutrons are released per fission event and knowing that the nucleus undergoing fission has a neutron-to-proton ratio characteristic of a heavy nucleus, what sorts of decay would you expect to be dominant among the fission products?

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Identify the neutron-to-proton ratio in the fission products, which is higher than in stable nuclei.

Recognize that fission products are neutron-rich and will likely undergo beta decay to convert neutrons into protons.

Observe the graph showing the decay series, noting the transitions between elements.

Notice the presence of alpha decay in the series, where heavy nuclei emit alpha particles (helium nuclei) to become more stable.

Conclude that the dominant decay modes among fission products are beta decay and alpha decay, as indicated by the transitions in the graph.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Nuclear Fission

Nuclear fission is the process by which a heavy nucleus splits into two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of energy and neutrons. This reaction is typically initiated by the absorption of a neutron by the nucleus. The released neutrons can then induce further fission events, leading to a chain reaction, which is the principle behind nuclear reactors.

Radioactive Decay

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. This can occur through various modes, including alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay. The type of decay that predominates depends on the neutron-to-proton ratio of the nucleus, with heavy nuclei often undergoing alpha decay to achieve stability.

Decay Chains

Decay chains refer to a series of radioactive decays that occur as unstable isotopes transform into more stable forms. Each step in the chain involves the emission of particles or radiation, leading to different isotopes until a stable isotope is reached. In the context of fission products, these chains can result in a variety of decay products, often including isotopes of lead, bismuth, and polonium.

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