Question

Element-120 is located in a region of the neutron versus proton map known as the island of stability. Write a nuclear equation for the generation of element- 120 by bombarding iron isotopes on a plutonium target.

Short answer

The nuclear equation for the given reaction is \(^{58}Fe + ^{244}Pu \rightarrow ^{302}Ub\).

Step-by-step solution

Identify the involved isotopes

Before forming the nuclear equation, identify the isotopes that will be partaking in the nuclear reaction. Iron-58 (symbolized as \(^{58}Fe\)) is the isotope of Iron used, and the target is a plutonium isotope represented as \(^{244}Pu\). The aim is to produce an atom of element-120, which is Unbinilium, symbolized as \(Ub\).

Write the nuclear equation

In a nuclear equation, the isotopes are represented along with their nuclear reaction. Given the known isotopes and final product, the nuclear equation would be \(^{58}Fe + ^{244}Pu \rightarrow ^{302}Ub + n\), where \(n\) represents a neutron.

Check the conservation of nucleons

To confirm that the nuclear equation is correct, make sure that the total number of nucleons (protons and neutrons) on the reactant side is equal to that on the product side. In this case, \(58 + 244 = 302 + n\), which leads to \(n = 0\). This means there are no extra neutrons, meaning that the nuclear equation is conserving nucleons as expected.

Key concepts

Island of Stability

The concept of an 'island of stability' is a fascinating domain in nuclear physics. It refers to a set of theoretical superheavy elements (those beyond uranium in the periodic table) that are predicted to have comparatively longer half-lives due to a closed-shell configuration in protons and neutrons, leading to increased stability against radioactive decay. While the heaviest known elements tend to be unstable, decaying quickly, the 'island of stability' proposes that there is a region where these superheavy elements could potentially exist for much longer periods, making them easier to study and allowing us to understand their properties more deeply.

Element-120, as mentioned in the exercise, falls within this predicted region. The potential for discovering and studying these stable superheavy nuclei is significant because it could expand our knowledge of atomic structure and nuclear forces. Researchers are interested in the 'island of stability' as it could lead to discoveries of new physics and possibly provide insights into the production of new materials with unique properties.

Iron Isotopes

Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. When we talk about iron isotopes, they're important in nuclear reactions due to their stability and abundance. Iron-58 (( ^{58}Fe )) is one such isotope, which is used in the example nuclear reaction to synthesize element-120.

Different isotopes of iron have different applications and properties. In the context of nuclear reactions, using a stable iron isotope like Iron-58 provides a predictable reactant that can help lead to the desired atomic configuration in the product, which in this case is the creation of a superheavy element. Understanding the behavior of iron isotopes in nuclear chemistry is thus crucial for planning and executing reactions that aim at discovering or synthesizing new elements.

Plutonium Target

In the given problem, a plutonium target is mentioned, which is typically a sample of a plutonium isotope that serves as the 'target' for bombardment in nuclear reactions. Plutonium-244 (( ^{244}Pu )) is an isotope of plutonium characterized by a relatively long half-life, making it a suitable target for such experiments. The choice of target material is significant in nuclear research because it determines the types of isotopes that can be produced.

The use of a plutonium target in the creation of element-120 is significant as it provides the necessary neutrons and protons for the reaction. Targeting heavier elements like plutonium with projectiles like iron isotopes can lead to the synthesis of superheavy elements, and this is a common practice in advanced nuclear research. The characteristics of the target, including its isotopic composition and purity, can greatly affect the outcome of the reaction.

Conservation of Nucleons

The principle of the conservation of nucleons states that the total number of nucleons—protons plus neutrons—remains constant during a nuclear reaction. This is analogous to the conservation of mass in chemical reactions and is a fundamental concept in nuclear chemistry. When analyzing nuclear reactions, such as the synthesis of a new element, checking the conservation of nucleons is crucial to ensure the correct representation of the process.

In our exercise, the nucleon count for the reactants and products verifies this principle: the sum of the nucleons in Iron-58 and Plutonium-244 must equal the total nucleons in the resulting element-120 and the released neutrons. Specifically (58 + 244 = 302 + n), confirming that no nucleons are lost or gained. When students understand the conservation of nucleons, they can more easily balance nuclear equations and predict the outcomes of nuclear reactions.