Question

Draw a diagram similar to thatshownin Exercise \(21.2\) that illustrates the nuclear reaction \({ }_{83}^{211} \mathrm{Bi} \longrightarrow{ }_{2}^{4} \mathrm{He}+{ }_{81}^{207} \mathrm{~T}\). \([\) Section 21.2]

Short answer

To create a diagram similar to that in Exercise 21.2 for the given nuclear reaction \({ }_{83}^{211} \mathrm{Bi} \longrightarrow { }_{2}^{4} \mathrm{He} + { }_{81}^{207} \mathrm{T}\), begin by drawing a box labeled "Reactant" with Bismuth-211's symbol (\(\mathrm{Bi}\)), its atomic number (83), and its mass number (211). Next, draw an arrow emerging from the reactant box, which points towards two other boxes labeled "Product 1" and "Product 2" for the products of the reaction. In "Product 1," include Helium-4's symbol (\(\mathrm{He}\)), its atomic number (2), and its mass number (4). In "Product 2," write Thallium-207's symbol (\(\mathrm{T}\)), its atomic number (81), and its mass number (207). Ensure that the diagram corresponds to the given nuclear reaction.

Step-by-step solution

1. Identify the reactants and products in the given nuclear reaction

The given nuclear reaction is: \({ }_{83}^{211} \mathrm{Bi} \longrightarrow { }_{2}^{4} \mathrm{He} + { }_{81}^{207} \mathrm{T}\) In this reaction, the reactant is Bismuth-211 (\({ }_{83}^{211} \mathrm{Bi}\)), and the products are Helium-4 (\({ }_{2}^{4} \mathrm{He}\)) and Thallium-207 (\({ }_{81}^{207} \mathrm{T}\)).

2. Draw a box for the reactant

We will begin by drawing a box with the Bismuth-211 nucleus represented inside it. Label the box "Reactant" and write the symbol for Bismuth (\(\mathrm{Bi}\)), its atomic number (83), and its mass number (211) inside the box.

3. Draw arrows and boxes for the products

Now, we will draw an arrow pointing away from the reactant box to represent the nuclear reaction occurring. On the other side of the arrow, draw two boxes labeled "Product 1" and "Product 2". In the "Product 1" box, write the symbol for Helium (\(\mathrm{He}\)), its atomic number (2), and its mass number (4). In the "Product 2" box, write the symbol for Thallium (\(\mathrm{T}\)), its atomic number (81), and its mass number (207).

4. Double-check the diagram against the given nuclear reaction

To make sure we have drawn the diagram correctly, double-check that all the reactants and products are represented by their respective boxes, and their atomic and mass numbers are correctly written. The diagram should be a visual representation of the given nuclear reaction: \({ }_{83}^{211} \mathrm{Bi} \longrightarrow { }_{2}^{4} \mathrm{He} + { }_{81}^{207} \mathrm{T}\)

Key concepts

Bismuth-211 Decay

Bismuth-211 decay is a fascinating process in the field of nuclear chemistry. It involves the transformation of bismuth-211, an unstable isotope of bismuth, through a type of radioactive decay known as alpha decay. This process occurs because bismuth-211 is looking to achieve a more stable nuclear configuration. The element represented is bismuth, denoted by the chemical symbol \(\text{Bi}\). It has an atomic number of 83 and a mass number of 211.
When bismuth-211 undergoes decay, it emits an alpha particle. This emission results in the transformation of bismuth-211 into a different element, specifically thallium-207 (\(\text{T}\)), which is more stable. Let's break it down further with the products of the decay:

• Thallium-207 has an atomic number of 81, indicating it has two fewer protons than bismuth.
• The mass number decreases by four, reflecting the loss of an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons.
• The complete nuclear equation is: \[{ }_{83}^{211} \text{Bi} \longrightarrow { }_{2}^{4} \text{He} + { }_{81}^{207} \text{T}\]

Alpha Decay

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay where an unstable nucleus releases an alpha particle to become more stable. An alpha particle is a relatively heavy radioactive particle with two protons and two neutrons, identical to the nucleus of a helium atom.
When a nucleus undergoes alpha decay:

• It decreases its atomic number by 2 and its mass number by 4 due to the loss of the alpha particle.
• This results in a new element that is two places to the left on the periodic table.

For the nuclear reaction of bismuth-211 decay:

• Bismuth loses two protons, reducing its atomic number from 83 to 81.
• The mass also drops from 211 to 207, which is the mass of the resultant thallium isotope.
• The alpha particle, helium-4, is represented by \[{ }_{2}^{4} \text{He}\]

By understanding alpha decay, we gain insight into how elements can transform over time to become stable through radiation emission.

Nuclear Chemistry

Nuclear chemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with radioactive elements, nuclear processes, and their properties and applications. It is a field that explores the changes in an atom's nucleus and how these changes affect matter.
Important concepts to understand in nuclear chemistry include:

• Isotopes: Different forms of the same element, having the same number of protons but different mass numbers due to varying numbers of neutrons.
• Radioactive Decay: The process through which an unstable nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. This includes alpha, beta, and gamma decay.
• Half-Life: The time required for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to undergo decay, a critical concept in dating materials and nuclear medicine.

Nuclear reactions like the decay of bismuth-211 are central to nuclear chemistry. They showcase the transformation of elements through the release of subatomic particles and radiation, leading to more stable elements. Understanding these reactions allows scientists to harness nuclear processes in applications such as energy production, medical imaging, and treatments.