Each of the following transmutations produces a radionuclide used in positron emission tomography (PET). (b) In equation (iii), one of the species is indicated as “d.” What do you think it represents? (i) 14N1p, a2X (ii) 18O1p, X218F (iii) 14N1d, n215O

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Identify the type of nuclear reaction involved in the transmutation. In this case, the reactions are likely nuclear reactions involving particles such as protons (p), deuterons (d), and neutrons (n).

Understand the notation used in the equations. For example, '14N1p' indicates a reaction involving nitrogen-14 and a proton, while '1d' in equation (iii) suggests the involvement of a deuteron.

Recall that a deuteron (d) is the nucleus of deuterium, which consists of one proton and one neutron. It is often used in nuclear reactions as a projectile.

Analyze equation (iii): '14N1d, n215O'. This suggests that nitrogen-14 is bombarded with a deuteron, resulting in the emission of a neutron and the formation of oxygen-15.

Conclude that in equation (iii), 'd' represents a deuteron, which is a common particle used in nuclear reactions to produce radionuclides for medical imaging techniques like PET.

Key Concepts

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

Nuclear Transmutation

Nuclear transmutation is the process by which one element or isotope is converted into another through nuclear reactions. This can occur naturally or artificially, often involving the bombardment of nuclei with particles such as protons or neutrons. Understanding this concept is crucial for analyzing the equations provided, as it explains how different isotopes are formed and their applications in medical imaging.

Radionuclides in PET

Radionuclides are unstable isotopes that emit radiation as they decay, and they are essential in positron emission tomography (PET) for imaging biological processes. In PET, radionuclides like fluorine-18 are used because they emit positrons, which interact with electrons to produce gamma rays detectable by the scanner. Recognizing the role of these radionuclides helps in understanding the significance of the transmutations mentioned in the question.

Notation in Nuclear Reactions

The notation used in nuclear reactions, such as 'd' for deuterium or 'p' for protons, is critical for interpreting the species involved in transmutations. Each symbol represents specific particles or isotopes, and understanding this notation allows for the identification of reactants and products in the equations. This knowledge is necessary to deduce what 'd' represents in the context of the given transmutation.

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Textbook Question

In 2010, a team of scientists from Russia and the United States reported creation of the first atom of element 117, which is named tennessine, and whose symbol is Ts. The synthesis involved the collision of a target of ²⁴⁹₉₇Bk with accelerated ions of an isotope which we will denote Q. The product atom, which we will call Z, immediately releases neutrons and forms ²⁹⁴₁₁₇Ts: ²⁴⁹₉₇Bk + Q → Z → ²⁹⁴₁₁₇Ts + 3 ¹₀n (a) What are the identities of isotopes Q and Z? (c) Collision of ions of isotope Q with a target was also used to produce the first atoms of livermorium, Lv. The initial product of this collision was ²⁹⁶₁₁₆Lv. What was the target isotope with which Q collided in this experiment?

Textbook Question

In 2010, a team of scientists from Russia and the United States reported creation of the first atom of element 117, which is named tennessine, and whose symbol is Ts. The synthesis involved the collision of a target of ²⁴⁹₉₇Bk with accelerated ions of an isotope which we will denote Q. The product atom, which we will call Z, immediately releases neutrons and forms ²⁹⁴₁₁₇Ts: ²⁴⁹₉₇Bk + Q → Z → ²⁹⁴₁₁₇Ts + 3 ¹₀n (b) Isotope Q is unusual in that it is very long-lived (its half-life is on the order of 1019 yr) in spite of having an unfavorable neutron-to-proton ratio (Figure 21.1). Can you propose a reason for its unusual stability?

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Textbook Question

Each of the following transmutations produces a radionuclide used in positron emission tomography (PET).

(a) In equations (i) and (ii), identify the species signified as 'X.'

(i) ¹⁴N(p,α)X

(ii) ¹⁸O(p,X)¹⁸F

(iii) ¹⁴N(d,n)¹⁵O

Textbook Question

The nuclear masses of 7Be, 9Be, and 10Be are 7.0147, 9.0100, and 10.0113 amu, respectively. Which of these nuclei has the largest binding energy per nucleon?