Complete the nuclear equation describing

Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
icon
Related questions
Question

Complete the nuclear equation describing the synthesis of californium-245 by the bombardment of curium-242 by α particles. Use complete nuclide symbols.

In this chemical reaction equation, an atom of Curium (Cm) reacts to form an atom of Californium (Cf). The reaction is represented as follows:

\[ \ce{^{242}_{96}Cm + \square -> \square + ^{245}_{98}Cf} \]

Explanation of the components:

1. The reactant on the left side:
   - \( \ce{^{242}_{96}Cm} \): This represents an isotope of Curium with an atomic number of 96 and an atomic mass of 242.

2. The "+" signs indicate that an additional reactant (to be determined) participates in this reaction, and an additional product (to be determined) is formed.

3. The arrow (→) indicates the direction of the reaction, pointing from reactants to products.

4. The product on the right side:
   - \( \ce{^{245}_{98}Cf} \): This represents an isotope of Californium with an atomic number of 98 and an atomic mass of 245.

To complete this reaction equation, the missing reactants and products need to be identified based on the principles of nuclear reactions, ensuring both the conservation of atomic number and mass number.
Transcribed Image Text:In this chemical reaction equation, an atom of Curium (Cm) reacts to form an atom of Californium (Cf). The reaction is represented as follows: \[ \ce{^{242}_{96}Cm + \square -> \square + ^{245}_{98}Cf} \] Explanation of the components: 1. The reactant on the left side: - \( \ce{^{242}_{96}Cm} \): This represents an isotope of Curium with an atomic number of 96 and an atomic mass of 242. 2. The "+" signs indicate that an additional reactant (to be determined) participates in this reaction, and an additional product (to be determined) is formed. 3. The arrow (→) indicates the direction of the reaction, pointing from reactants to products. 4. The product on the right side: - \( \ce{^{245}_{98}Cf} \): This represents an isotope of Californium with an atomic number of 98 and an atomic mass of 245. To complete this reaction equation, the missing reactants and products need to be identified based on the principles of nuclear reactions, ensuring both the conservation of atomic number and mass number.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Nuclear Reactions
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781259911156
Author:
Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305577213
Author:
Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9780078021558
Author:
Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305079373
Author:
William L. Masterton, Cecile N. Hurley
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781118431221
Author:
Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. Bullard
Publisher:
WILEY