Question

Bombarding U-238 with a hydrogen-2 nucleus produces a radioactive nuclide, a beta particle, and two neutrons. Identify the radionuclide.

Short answer

The radioactive nuclide formed is Plutonium-240 ( ^{240}_{94}Pu).

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Reaction

First, we need to identify the initial reactants and the products formed in the nuclear reaction. When Uranium-238 ( ^{238}_{92}U) is bombarded by a hydrogen-2 nucleus (deuteron, ^{2}_{1}H), it produces a radioactive nuclide, a beta particle ( ^{0}_{-1}e), and two neutrons (2 ^{1}_{0}n). The reaction is represented as: [ ^{238}_{92}U + ^{2}_{1}H ightarrow ext{Radionuclide} + ^{0}_{-1}e + 2 ^{1}_{0}n ]

Balancing the Reaction

The next step involves balancing both the atomic (proton) numbers and the mass numbers on both sides of the equation. The initial total mass number on the left is 238 + 2 = 240, and the total atomic number is 92 + 1 = 93. After the reaction, including the beta particle and neutrons, the total atomic number must still be 93, and the total mass number must be 240.

Setting Up the Equation

Let the produced radionuclide have the atomic number Z and the mass number A. Considering the release of a beta particle, the atomic number actually decreases by 1 once the beta particle is emitted. Therefore, after decaying to a stable form, Z-1 should equal the atomic number from the reactants, i.e., 93. For mass numbers: A + 0 = 240 (as the neutron masses are already included). This means that the equation to find the radionuclide is: [ A = 240, Z - 1 = 93 ]

Solving for the Radionuclide

From Step 3, we solve the equations. We find that A = 240, and Z = 94. This matches the element Plutonium ( ^{240}_{94}Pu). Therefore, the radioactive nuclide formed is Plutonium-240.

Key concepts

Radioactive Nuclide Identification

Radioactive nuclides, also known as radionuclides, are atoms with an unstable nucleus that emit radiation as they decay to a more stable form. Identifying a radioactive nuclide involves understanding the nuclear reaction process.
The nucleus of the bombarded element changes, leading to the formation of different nuclides. For example, when Uranium-238 is hit by a hydrogen-2 nucleus, a new nuclide, along with other particles, is produced.
Let's break it down:

• Begin with the initial reactants, such as Uranium-238 and a hydrogen-2 nucleus (deuteron).
• Identify the emitted particles like neutrons or beta particles, which are involved in the reaction process.
• Determine the final products, including the new radioactive nuclide.

Understanding these steps allows us to correctly identify the radioactive nuclide produced during the nuclear reaction.

Nuclear Reaction Balancing

Balancing nuclear equations is crucial to understand the transformation of elements during nuclear reactions. Unlike chemical equations, nuclear equations focus on atomic numbers and mass numbers.
In our scenario:

• The total mass number from the reactants side must equal the total mass number on the products side.
• The total atomic numbers, representing protons in the nucleus, must also be balanced.

For instance, in the reaction of Uranium-238 with a deuteron:

• The initial mass number is calculated by adding 238 from Uranium and 2 from the deuteron, totaling 240.
• The total atomic number is 92 from Uranium and 1 from the deuteron, making 93.
• These must match the outcomes: a radionuclide, beta particles, and neutrons.

This balancing helps us deduce properties of the new element formed, maintaining the laws of conservation in nuclear chemistry.

Plutonium-240

Plutonium-240 ( ^{240}_{94}Pu) is a well-known radioactive nuclide produced in various nuclear reactions. It is part of the actinides series in the periodic table.
Here's what you need to know about Plutonium-240:

• It has an atomic number of 94, indicating its position in the periodic table.
• Its mass number, 240, confirms the total count of protons and neutrons in its nucleus.
• This radionuclide is significant due to its role in nuclear reactions and its properties as fuel in a nuclear reactor.

Plutonium-240 is noteworthy for its radioactive characteristics, contributing to various fields such as nuclear power and strategic reserves.
The production and study of such nuclides enhance our understanding of nuclear chemistry and applications in modern technology.