Californium-246 is formed by bombardment of uranium-238 atoms. If four neutrons are formed as by-products, what particle is used for the bombardment?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the initial and final isotopes involved in the reaction. The initial isotope is uranium-238 (\(^{238}_{92}\text{U}\)) and the final isotope is californium-246 (\(^{246}_{98}\text{Cf}\)).
2. Write the nuclear reaction equation. Start with uranium-238 and add the unknown particle on the reactant side, and californium-246 and four neutrons (\(4\ ^{1}_{0}\text{n}\)) on the product side.
3. Use the conservation of mass number and atomic number to determine the unknown particle. The sum of mass numbers and atomic numbers on both sides of the equation must be equal.
4. Calculate the change in mass number: \(246 + 4 \times 1 = 250\) on the product side, and \(238 + x = 250\) on the reactant side, where \(x\) is the mass number of the unknown particle.
5. Calculate the change in atomic number: \(98 + 4 \times 0 = 98\) on the product side, and \(92 + y = 98\) on the reactant side, where \(y\) is the atomic number of the unknown particle.

Key Concepts

Nuclear Reactions

Nuclear reactions involve changes in an atom's nucleus and can result in the transformation of one element into another. In this context, uranium-238 undergoes a reaction where it absorbs a particle, leading to the formation of Californium-246. Understanding the types of nuclear reactions, such as fission and fusion, is essential for grasping how elements can be transformed through bombardment.

Neutrons

Neutrons are neutral subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They play a crucial role in nuclear reactions, particularly in fission processes, where they can initiate further reactions by colliding with other nuclei. In this question, the mention of four neutrons as by-products indicates that neutrons are likely the particles used for the bombardment of uranium-238.

Particle Bombardment

Particle bombardment is a technique used in nuclear physics where particles, such as neutrons, protons, or alpha particles, are directed at a target nucleus to induce a reaction. This process can lead to the formation of new elements or isotopes, as seen with the creation of Californium-246 from uranium-238. Identifying the type of particle used in bombardment is key to understanding the resulting nuclear transformations.