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250 Chemistry: Matter and Change
Solving Problems: A Chemistry Handbook
SOLVING PROBLEMS:
A CHEMISTRY HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 24
target nucleus. Particle accelerators, also called atom smashers,
are used to accelerate the particles to the extremely high speeds
required.
The elements that come after uranium in the periodic table
(atomic number Ն 93) are called transuranium elements. These
elements have all been produced in the laboratory using induced
transmutation, and they all are radioactive. Scientists continue to
work to produce new transuranium elements.
Example Problem 24-3
Balancing Induced Transmutation Reaction Equations
Write a balanced nuclear equation for the induced transmutation of
beryllium-9 into carbon-13 by alpha particle bombardment.
Identify each participant in the reaction. Use the periodic table as
needed and write the balanced equation.
9
4 Be ϩ 4
2 He 0 13
6 C
Practice Problems
7. Complete the nuclear equation for each of the following
induced transmutation reactions.
a. 253
99 Es ϩ 4
2 He 0 _____ ϩ 1
0 n
b. 9
4 Be ϩ 4
2 He 0 _____ ϩ 1
0 n
Radioactive decay rates Radioactive decay rates are measured
in half-lives. A half-life is the time required for one-half of a
radioisotope’s nuclei to decay. Each radioisotope has a different
half-life. The decay of a radioisotope is described as follows.
Amount remaining ϭ (Initial amount)
ᎏ
1
2
ᎏ
n
where n ϭ the number of half-lives that has passed
Another way to write the equation is as follows.
Amount remaining ϭ (Initial amount)
ᎏ
1
2
ᎏ
t/T
where t ϭ elapsed time and T ϭ the duration of the half-life
Both t and T must be written in the same units of time.
▲
250 Chemistry: Matter and Change
Solving Problems: A Chemistry Handbook
SOLVING PROBLEMS:
A CHEMISTRY HANDBOOK
CHAPTER 24
target nucleus. Particle accelerators, also called atom smashers,
are used to accelerate the particles to the extremely high speeds
required.
The elements that come after uranium in the periodic table
(atomic number Ն 93) are called transuranium elements. These
elements have all been produced in the laboratory using induced
transmutation, and they all are radioactive. Scientists continue to
work to produce new transuranium elements.
Example Problem 24-3
Balancing Induced Transmutation Reaction Equations
Write a balanced nuclear equation for the induced transmutation of
beryllium-9 into carbon-13 by alpha particle bombardment.
Identify each participant in the reaction. Use the periodic table as
needed and write the balanced equation.
9
4 Be ϩ 4
2 He 0 13
6 C
Practice Problems
7. Complete the nuclear equation for each of the following
induced transmutation reactions.
a. 253
99 Es ϩ 4
2 He 0 _____ ϩ 1
0 n
b. 9
4 Be ϩ 4
2 He 0 _____ ϩ 1
0 n
Radioactive decay rates Radioactive decay rates are measured
in half-lives. A half-life is the time required for one-half of a
radioisotope’s nuclei to decay. Each radioisotope has a different
half-life. The decay of a radioisotope is described as follows.
Amount remaining ϭ (Initial amount)
ᎏ
1
2
ᎏ
n
where n ϭ the number of half-lives that has passed
Another way to write the equation is as follows.
Amount remaining ϭ (Initial amount)
ᎏ
1
2
ᎏ
t/T
where t ϭ elapsed time and T ϭ the duration of the half-life
Both t and T must be written in the same units of time.
▲