When a slow-moving neutron is absorbed by a uranium-235 nucleus, nuclear fission can occur.
The following nuclear equation represents one such fission process:
92235U+01n→54140Xe+3894Sr+neutrons ^{235}_{92}\text{U} + ^{1}_{0}\text{n} \rightarrow ^{140}_{54}\text{Xe} + ^{94}_{38}\text{Sr} + \text{neutrons} 92235U+01n→54140Xe+3894Sr+neutronsDescribe what is meant by the term nuclear fission.
Calculate the number of neutrons released during this fission process.
Explain how a self-sustaining chain reaction can occur in a sample of uranium-235.
With reference to the equation, identify and explain what is meant by a daughter nucleus.
Strontium-94 (3894Sr^{94}_{38}\text{Sr}3894Sr) is an unstable isotope that undergoes beta-minus (β−\beta^-β−) decay. Explain what happens to the proton (atomic) number of strontium-94 when it undergoes this decay.