Chapter 19, Problem 16A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Nuclear transformation representation and its performance is to be determined.

Concept introduction:Nuclear transformation is the conversion of one nuclide into another nuclide either by the radioactive decay of a nucleus or by the bombardment of a nucleus with another particle or nuclide.

The transformation will go on till we get a stable nucleus.

Answer to Problem 16A

Nuclear transformation can be performed in four ways

1. Fission
2. Fusion
3. Nuclear radioactive decay
4. Nuclear transmutation

Explanation of Solution

1. In nuclear fission reactions, a nucleus having a particular atomic number (nuclei that are heavier than iron) is split into two or more nuclei with smaller atomic number.
2. This process is exothermic.

Example: ${}_{\text{ 92}}^{\text{ 235}}U+{}_0^{\text{1}}n\to {}_{40}^{156}Ba+{}_{36}^{93}Kr+{\text{ 3}}_0^{\text{1}}n$

Fission of Uranium occursto form Barium and Krypton with emission of neutrons.

3. In fusion reactions two or more lighter nuclei come together to make a heavy nucleus.

Example: ${}_{\text{ 1}}^{\text{ 2}}H+{}_{\text{ 1}}^{\text{ 3}}H\to {}_2^{4}He+{}_0^{\text{1}}n$

Here deuterium and tritium combines to form helium nucleus.

4. Radioactive decay occurs either by alpha emission or beta emission.

Example of alpha decay: ${}_{\text{ 86}}^{222}Rn\to {}_{\text{ 84}}^{218}Po+{}_2^{\text{4}}He$

Here radium disintegrates into polonium by alpha emission.

Example of beta decay: ${}_6^{14}C\to {}_7^{14}N+{}_{-1}^{\text{ 0}}e$

Here carbon disintegrates into nitrogen by beta decay.

5. In nuclear transmutation atomic nuclei bombarded by neutrons or other particlessuch as proton and alpha particles to form a new nuclide.

Examples: ${}_{\text{ 3}}^{\text{ 6}}Li+{}_{\text{ 0}}^{\text{ 1}}n\to {}_1^{3}H{\text{ +}}_2^{4}He$

  ${}_{\text{ 13}}^{\text{ 27}}Al+{}_2^{4}He\to {}_{15}^{30}P{\text{ +}}_0^{1}n$

Conclusion

Nuclear transformation can be performed in four ways

1. Fission
2. Fusion
3. Nuclear radioactive decay
4. Nuclear transmutation