Element was prepared in 1982 by bombardment of atoms with atoms. Identify the other product that must have formed, and write a balanced nuclear equation assuming no other products were formed.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the isotopes involved in the bombardment process. Each isotope can be represented as _{Z}^{A}X where Z is the atomic number, A is the mass number, and X is the chemical symbol.
2. Determine the sum of the mass numbers (A) and the atomic numbers (Z) of the two reactant isotopes. This will help in predicting the products of the nuclear reaction.
3. Assume that the target isotope captures the bombarding isotope, leading to the formation of a new isotope. Calculate the new isotope's mass number by adding the mass numbers of the reactant isotopes. Calculate the new isotope's atomic number by adding the atomic numbers of the reactant isotopes.
4. Consider the conservation of mass and charge in the nuclear reaction. If the sum of mass numbers or atomic numbers of the products does not equal the sum of the reactants, a particle such as a neutron, proton, or alpha particle might have been emitted.
5. Write the balanced nuclear equation by placing the initial isotopes on the left side of the equation and the new isotope and any additional particles emitted during the reaction on the right side.

Key Concepts

Nuclear Reactions

Nuclear reactions involve changes in an atom's nucleus and can result in the transformation of one element into another. These reactions often include the bombardment of nuclei with particles, leading to the emission of radiation or the formation of new isotopes. Understanding the basics of nuclear reactions is essential for predicting the products formed during such interactions.

Isotopes

Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different atomic masses. In nuclear reactions, isotopes can behave differently based on their stability and the type of reaction they undergo. Recognizing the isotopes involved in a reaction is crucial for balancing nuclear equations and identifying products.

Balancing Nuclear Equations

Balancing nuclear equations requires ensuring that the total number of nucleons (protons and neutrons) and the charge are conserved on both sides of the equation. This involves adjusting coefficients and identifying all products formed during the reaction. Mastery of this concept is vital for accurately representing nuclear reactions and understanding the conservation laws that govern them.