Question

The officially named element with the highest atomic number is livermorium, \({ }_{116}^{293} \mathrm{Lv}\), named to honor the long history of the synthesis of post-uranium elements at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Berkeley, CA. In attempts to make elements with a higher atomic number than \(116,\) reactions have been attempted between californium- 249 and calcium-48. Determine the atomic number of the element that would be formed.

Short answer

The atomic number of the new element is 118.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Problem

We need to determine the atomic number of an element that could be formed in a nuclear reaction between californium-249 ( _{98}^{249} ext{Cf} ) and calcium-48 ( _{20}^{48} ext{Ca} ). This involves finding the sum of the atomic numbers of the reactants.

Adding Atomic Numbers

To find the atomic number of the new element formed, add the atomic number of californium (98) to the atomic number of calcium (20). This results in:\[ Z_{ ext{new element}} = 98 + 20 = 118 \]

Verifying the Result

The atomic number 118 corresponds to the element oganesson ( _{118}^{294} ext{Og} ). Thus, the element formed would be oganesson.

Key concepts

Nuclear Reactions

Nuclear reactions play a crucial role in the discovery and synthesis of new elements. They are processes in which two nuclei, or one nucleus and a subatomic particle, collide to produce one or more different nuclei. When californium-249 and calcium-48 interact, they undergo a nuclear reaction that potentially forms a new element. The goal is to combine their atomic masses and atomic numbers to create an entirely new nucleus. This type of reaction is often referred to as a fusion reaction, which involves merging lighter atomic nuclei to create heavier ones.

• Fusion reactions are key to creating superheavy elements.
• High-energy particle collisions are necessary to overcome the repulsive forces between nuclei.
• These reactions help explore undiscovered regions of the periodic table.

Atomic Number

The atomic number of an element is fundamental in identifying its position on the periodic table. It represents the number of protons present in the nucleus of an atom. For example, californium has an atomic number of 98, indicating it has 98 protons.

• Each element has a unique atomic number.
• The atomic number determines the chemical properties of the element.
• In nuclear reactions, the atomic numbers of reactants are added to predict the atomic number of the product.

By adding the atomic numbers of californium (98) and calcium (20), a new element with an atomic number of 118 may be synthesized, suggesting the formation of oganesson.

Element Synthesis

Element synthesis involves creating new elements, typically by inducing nuclear reactions. It is a complex process used to extend the periodic table and explore elements beyond those found in nature. Elements with higher atomic numbers, such as oganesson with an atomic number of 118, have been synthesized by combining smaller, stable nuclei like californium and calcium.

• Superheavy elements are often unstable, with short lifespans due to radioactive decay.
• Synthesis requires precise control and conditions to achieve successful fusion.
• Research in this area contributes to understanding nuclear physics and the forces holding nuclei together.

These efforts not only expand scientific knowledge but also pave the way for potential applications in medicine, industry, and technology.