Question

What is meant by a nuclear bombardment process? Give an example of such a process, and describe what the net result of the process is.

Short answer

A nuclear bombardment process is a nuclear reaction where the nucleus of an atom is bombarded with other particles, resulting in different atomic nuclei and possibly other particles. An example of this process is neutron activation, in which an atomic nucleus captures a neutron and becomes a different isotope. In the example reaction \( {}^1_1H (n, \gamma) {}^2_1H \), a hydrogen atom captures a neutron, forming a deuterium nucleus with the emission of a gamma photon. The net result of this process is the formation of a new isotope (deuterium) with different atomic properties compared to the initial atom.

Step-by-step solution

Define Nuclear Bombardment Process

A nuclear bombardment process refers to a nuclear reaction where the nucleus of an atom is bombarded with other particles, resulting in different atomic nuclei and possibly other particles. These processes are commonly used in nuclear physics experiments, in nuclear power plants, and in the production of radioactive isotopes.

Example of Nuclear Bombardment Process: Neutron Activation

Neutron activation is a nuclear bombardment process in which an atomic nucleus captures a neutron and, in doing so, becomes a different isotope. This process takes place frequently in nuclear reactors, where a large flux of neutrons is available for this purpose. To demonstrate this process, let's consider the following nuclear reaction: \( {}^1_1H (n, \gamma) {}^2_1H \) In this reaction, a hydrogen atom (with a nucleus of a single proton, denoted as {}^1_1H) captures a neutron (n) through a nuclear bombardment process, and the product is a deuterium nucleus ({}^2_1H), also called a heavy hydrogen, with the emission of a gamma photon (γ).

Net Result of Neutron Activation

In the above nuclear bombardment process example, the net result of neutron activation is the formation of a new isotope (deuterium) with different atomic properties compared to the initial atom. The original hydrogen atom has become a heavier isotope called deuterium, which has one proton and one neutron in its nucleus. Nuclear bombardment processes like this can bring about the creation of various isotopes or elements, and understanding these processes can help us harness their potential for various applications, such as nuclear energy production and medical isotopes.

Key concepts

Neutron Activation

Neutron activation is a fascinating phenomenon in nuclear science where an atomic nucleus captures a free neutron. This encounter causes the nucleus to enter an excited state and then release excess energy by emitting a gamma ray. The atom is transformed into a different isotope, one that has increased mass due to the extra neutron.

Consider this process like a surprise guest joining a dance, causing the music (energy level) to change. Here’s an example to explain it further: when a stable nitrogen atom in the atmosphere captures a wandering neutron, it becomes Carbon-14, a radioactive isotope useful for archaeologists in carbon dating. The net result is akin to chemistry's version of alchemy, where through the neutron activation process, we're able to 'change' one element to another. In practical terms, this method is crucial in various fields, from creating radioactive tracers for medical diagnostics to determining elemental compositions in materials.

Nuclear Reaction

A nuclear reaction is a process where two atomic nuclei or a nucleus and a subatomic particle, such as a neutron, collide at very high speeds. When they collide, they can fuse, fission, or rearrange to form new isotopes or elements, releasing or absorbing tremendous amounts of energy. The rules of the game are dictated by E=mc², Einstein's famous equation, telling us that mass can turn into energy and vice versa.

Here's an analogy for better understanding: Picture a nuclear reaction as a high-energy dance-off, where the particles come together and either form a new team (fusion), split up and go their separate ways (fission), or exchange partners (transmutation). The outcome of this cosmic dance floor maneuvering is energy that powers stars, including our sun, and can be harnessed in power plants to generate electricity. In essence, nuclear reactions are the engines that drive the universe's most energetic processes.

Isotope Formation

Isotopes are versions of elements that have the same number of protons but varying numbers of neutrons. This little change can make a big difference in the properties of the element—it’s like having twins with distinct personalities.

In the atomic world, isotope formation can occur naturally, such as with Carbon-14 in the atmosphere, or it can be induced through processes like the neutron activation mentioned earlier. For instance, the hydrogen example in the nuclear bombardment process leads to the creation of deuterium—an isotope of hydrogen with one neutron. Learning about isotopes isn't just academic; it has real-world implications. Isotopes are used to date ancient artifacts, treat cancer through radiation therapy, and even power spacecraft. These different versions of elements show us that changing just one particle can launch a world of possibilities.