Question

Control rods in a nuclear reactor are often made of boron because it absorbs neutrons. Write the nuclear equation in which boron- 10 absorbs a neutron to produce lithium- 7 and an alpha particle.

Short answer

The nuclear equation is: \( \text{^{10}_5B} + \text{^1_0n} \rightarrow \text{^7_3Li} + \text{^4_2He} \).

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Given Information

We are given that boron-10 (Boron with mass number 10) absorbs a neutron and produces lithium-7 and an alpha particle. This is a nuclear reaction.

Identify Initial Nuclei and Particles

The initial nucleus, boron-10, can be written as \[ \text{^{10}B} \] A neutron can be written as \[ \text{^1n} \] Both are on the reactant side of the equation.

Identify Final Nuclei and Particles

The products given are lithium-7 and an alpha particle, which can be represented as \[ \text{^7Li} \] and the alpha particle as \[ \text{^4He} \] These both will be placed on the product side of the equation.

Write the Balance Equation

Using the nuclear symbols: - Boron-10: \( \text{^{10}_5B} \)- Neutron: \( \text{^1_0n} \)- Lithium-7: \( \text{^7_3Li} \)- Alpha Particle: \( \text{^4_2He} \)The nuclear equation is:\[ \text{^{10}_5B} + \text{^1_0n} \rightarrow \text{^7_3Li} + \text{^4_2He} \]

Verify Conservation of Mass and Atomic Number

Check that the sum of atomic numbers and mass numbers is the same on both sides of the equation.- **Mass number:** - Left side: 10 (for \(^4B_5\)) + 1 (for \(^1n_0\)) = 11 - Right side: 7 (for \(^7Li_3\)) + 4 (for \(^4He_2\)) = 11 - **Atomic number:** - Left side: 5 (for \(^4B_5\)) + 0 (for \(^1n_0\)) = 5 - Right side: 3 (for \(^7Li_3\)) + 2 (for \(^4He_2\)) = 5 Since both are equal, the equation is balanced.

Key concepts

boron-10

Boron-10 is an isotope of the element boron, characterized by its atomic number of 5 and mass number of 10. This means it has 5 protons and 5 neutrons in its nucleus. Boron is commonly used in nuclear reactors due to its neutron-absorbing properties. The ability of boron-10 to capture neutrons makes it an essential material for controlling nuclear reactions.
This process of neutron absorption by boron-10 leads to a transmutation into other elements, which can be critical for managing the reactivity within a nuclear reactor. Such properties highlight the importance of boron-10 in maintaining safe and controlled nuclear energy production.

neutron absorption

Neutron absorption is a vital process in nuclear physics, where an atomic nucleus captures a neutron. This process typically results in a new element or isotope and is critical in controlling nuclear chain reactions.
In the context of boron-10, when it absorbs a neutron, it undergoes a nuclear transformation, producing lithium-7 and an alpha particle. This specific reaction is used in nuclear reactors to moderate and control the fission process.

• It prevents the reactor from going into an uncontrolled state.
• Efficient neutron absorption ensures that the reactor operates safely.

The ability to absorb neutrons makes certain materials like boron-10 invaluable in nuclear science and technology.

lithium-7

Lithium-7 is a stable isotope of lithium with 3 protons and 4 neutrons, giving it a mass number of 7. This isotope is produced through the neutron absorption process by boron-10.
In the nuclear reaction involving boron-10, once it captures a neutron, the resulting transformation yields lithium-7 and an alpha particle.

• Lithium-7 plays a role in various nuclear applications, including as a coolant in nuclear reactors due to its heat transfer properties.
• Its production during the neutron absorption process is crucial for the balanced nuclear equation where mass and atomic numbers have to be conserved.

Understanding its role and production in nuclear reactions underscores its importance in nuclear chemistry.

alpha particle

An alpha particle is a type of nuclear radiation consisting of two protons and two neutrons, identical to a helium-4 nucleus. In nuclear reactions, alpha particles are often emitted as a byproduct when a neutron is absorbed and a transmutation occurs.
During the reaction where boron-10 absorbs a neutron, an alpha particle is released alongside lithium-7. This emission is crucial for the balance in nuclear equations.

• Alpha particles carry energy away from the reaction, impacting how nuclear reactors are designed and managed.
• Being electrically charged, they interact strongly with matter, which is why understanding their behavior is important for radiation protection.

The controlled emission of alpha particles is a key aspect of maintaining reactor safety and efficiency.

nuclear reaction

A nuclear reaction is a process in which two nuclei, or a nucleus and a subatomic particle, collide and interact, leading to a transformation in the identity or state of the nuclei involved. These reactions form the basis of nuclear energy and other applications like medical imaging and research.
The nuclear equation describing the reaction of boron-10 with a neutron to produce lithium-7 and an alpha particle illustrates a specific type of nuclear reaction known as a transmutation.
In this reaction:

• New elements are formed as boron transforms into lithium.
• Energy is released, which can be harnessed for power generation.

Understanding the dynamics of nuclear reactions helps in developing safe and effective nuclear technologies.