Question

The immediate decay product of element 118 is thought to be element \(116 .\) Write a complete nuclear equation for this reaction.

Short answer

\(E(118,A) \rightarrow E'(116,A-4) + He(2,4)\)

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Alpha Particle

An alpha particle is a helium nucleus, consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, hence it has an atomic number of 2 and a mass number of 4.

Write the Decay Reaction

Using the notation \(X(Z,A)\) where X is the chemical symbol, Z is the atomic number and A is the mass number. The parent nuclide is \(E(118,A)\) and it decays into \(E'(116,A-4)\) with the emission of an alpha particle, which can be represented as \(He(2,4)\). Thus the decay reaction is: \[E(118,A) \rightarrow E'(116,A-4) + He(2,4)\]

Check The Balance of The Equation in Both Sides

For the nuclear equation to be correct, the sum of the mass numbers and the atomic numbers must be equal on both sides of the equation.

Key concepts

Alpha Particle Decay

Alpha particle decay is a common type of nuclear decay in which an unstable nucleus releases an alpha particle. An alpha particle is essentially a helium nucleus, which includes two protons and two neutrons. Therefore, this particle has a mass number of 4 and an atomic number of 2. In alpha decay, the original element, known as the parent nuclide, loses an alpha particle and transforms into a new element, which is called the daughter nuclide.
During this transformation, the mass number of the daughter nuclide decreases by 4, and the atomic number decreases by 2, reflecting the loss of an alpha particle. Here, the process results in a more stable configuration as the parent nuclide sheds excess mass and energy. It's a natural process aiming for stability, which is crucial in the sequence of nuclear decay events occurring in nature and experiments.
Understanding this decay process is fundamental to recognizing how elements transform over time through radioactive decay.

Nuclear Reactions

Nuclear reactions involve changes in an atom's nucleus and can result in the formation of new elements. These reactions are vital for studies in physics and chemistry, given their ability to alter the identity of an element. A nuclear reaction can result from radioactive decay, such as alpha decay, where a nucleus emits particles and reduces its energy content.
Key components of nuclear reactions include:

• Energy release: These reactions often release a large amount of energy, which can be used in various applications like nuclear power.
• Transformation: The nature of the nucleus changes, leading to the creation of new elements or isotopes.
• Balance: Just like chemical reactions, nuclear reactions must be balanced for mass and charge.

In our exercise's context, the nuclear reaction signifies the transformation of the parent nuclide to the daughter nuclide through the emission of an alpha particle. This change highlights the dynamic processes within an atom's core.

Nuclear Equations

Nuclear equations represent nuclear reactions, providing a way to express the transformation of elements and particles. Unlike typical chemical equations that deal with electrons, nuclear equations focus on the nucleus of an atom.For example, when element 118 undergoes alpha decay, its nuclear equation can be expressed as:\[E(118,A) \rightarrow E'(116,A-4) + He(2,4)\]Some crucial aspects about writing nuclear equations include:

• Notation: Nuclear equations use the format \(X(Z,A)\), where \(X\) represents the element symbol, \(Z\) is the atomic number, and \(A\) is the mass number.
• Balancing: The sum of mass numbers and atomic numbers must be equal on both sides of the equation to conserve mass and charge.
• Particle Representation: Emitted particles, like alpha particles, are represented with their respective symbols, aiding in equation clarity.

These equations are indispensable for understanding and predicting the outcomes of nuclear reactions, lending insights into the behavior and transformation of matter at the atomic level.