A nuclear reaction that is used to power space vehicles is Plutonium-238 undergoing alpha emission.

A) Write the balanced nuclear equation for this reaction.

B) How much energy is generated by this reaction in J/nuclei and kJ/mol?

The atomic mass of Pu-238 is 238.04955 amu

The atomic mass of U-234 is 234.04094 amu

The atomic mass of an alpha particle is 4.001506 amu

mass proton = 1.00728 amu

mass of neutron = 1.00867 amu

mass of electron = 5.48578 x 10^-4 amu

speed of light = 2.99792 x 10^8 m/s

1 amu = 1.66053 x 10^-27 kg