Rutherfordium-257 was synthesized by bombarding Cf-249 with C-12. Write the nuclear equation for this reaction.

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Identify the reactants and products in the nuclear reaction. The reactants are Cf-249 (Californium-249) and C-12 (Carbon-12), and the product is Rf-257 (Rutherfordium-257).

Write the nuclear symbols for the reactants: Cf-249 is represented as \( ^{249}_{98}\text{Cf} \) and C-12 as \( ^{12}_{6}\text{C} \).

Determine the nuclear symbol for the product: Rf-257 is represented as \( ^{257}_{104}\text{Rf} \).

Balance the nuclear equation by ensuring the sum of atomic numbers (subscripts) and mass numbers (superscripts) are equal on both sides of the equation.

Write the complete nuclear equation: \( ^{249}_{98}\text{Cf} + ^{12}_{6}\text{C} \rightarrow ^{257}_{104}\text{Rf} + ^{4}_{0}\text{n} \), where \( ^{4}_{0}\text{n} \) represents the emitted neutrons.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Nuclear Reactions

Nuclear reactions involve changes in an atom's nucleus and can result in the transformation of one element into another. These reactions are characterized by the interaction of nuclear particles, such as protons and neutrons, and can release or absorb energy. Understanding the basics of nuclear reactions is essential for writing nuclear equations, which represent the reactants and products involved.

Nuclear Notation

Nuclear notation is a way to represent isotopes and nuclear reactions using symbols that include the element's chemical symbol, atomic number, and mass number. For example, the notation for Rutherfordium-257 is written as 257Rf, where 257 is the mass number (total protons and neutrons) and Rf is the chemical symbol. This notation is crucial for accurately depicting the reactants and products in a nuclear equation.

Particle Bombardment

Particle bombardment is a technique used in nuclear chemistry where a target nucleus is bombarded with particles, such as protons, neutrons, or alpha particles, to induce a nuclear reaction. In the case of synthesizing Rutherfordium-257, Californium-249 is bombarded with Carbon-12 nuclei. This process can lead to the formation of new elements and isotopes, making it a fundamental concept in nuclear synthesis.