Textbook Question
Which of the following nuclides would you expect to be radioactive: 5826Fe, 6027Co, 9241Nb, mercury-202, radium-226? Justify your choices.
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Ch.21 - Nuclear Chemistry
Chapter 21, Problem 29
Complete and balance the following nuclear equations by supplying the missing particle: (a) 25298Cf + 105B → 310n + ? (c) 11H + 115B → ?
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the concept of nuclear reactions. In nuclear reactions, the sum of the atomic numbers and the sum of the mass numbers must be equal on both sides of the equation.
Step 2: For part (a), identify the known particles in the equation: Californium-252 (\(^{252}_{98}\text{Cf}\)), Boron-10 (\(^{10}_{5}\text{B}\)), and three neutrons (\(3\times ^{1}_{0}\text{n}\)).
Step 3: Calculate the total atomic number and mass number on the left side of the equation: Atomic number = 98 + 5 = 103, Mass number = 252 + 10 = 262.
Step 4: Calculate the total atomic number and mass number contributed by the neutrons on the right side: Atomic number = 0, Mass number = 3.
Step 5: Determine the missing particle for part (a) by ensuring the atomic and mass numbers balance: The missing particle must have an atomic number of 103 and a mass number of 259. For part (c), follow similar steps to balance the equation using the given particles: Hydrogen-1 (\(^{1}_{1}\text{H}\)) and Boron-11 (\(^{11}_{5}\text{B}\)).
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Nuclear Reactions
Nuclear reactions involve changes in an atom's nucleus and can result in the transformation of elements. They typically include processes such as fusion, fission, and radioactive decay. Understanding the conservation of mass and charge is crucial, as the total number of nucleons and the charge must remain constant before and after the reaction.
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Nuclear Binding Energy
Balancing Nuclear Equations
Balancing nuclear equations requires ensuring that both the mass number (total number of protons and neutrons) and the atomic number (number of protons) are conserved. This means that the sum of the mass numbers and the sum of the atomic numbers on the reactant side must equal those on the product side. Identifying missing particles often involves using known isotopes and their properties.
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Types of Particles in Nuclear Reactions
In nuclear reactions, various particles can be involved, including neutrons, protons, alpha particles, and beta particles. Each particle has specific properties, such as mass and charge, which influence the outcome of the reaction. Recognizing these particles and their roles is essential for accurately completing and balancing nuclear equations.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Complete and balance the following nuclear equations by supplying the missing particle: (b) 21H + 32He → 42He + ?
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Textbook Question
Complete and balance the following nuclear equations by supplying the missing particle: (d) 12253I → 12254Xe + ?
Textbook Question
Complete and balance the following nuclear equations by supplying the missing particle: (e) 5926Fe → 0-1e + ?