Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

11. Nuclear Chemistry

Types of Radiation

GOB Chemistry

11. Nuclear Chemistry

Types of Radiation

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2:16 minutes

Problem 81

Textbook Question

All the elements beyond uranium, the transuranium elements, have been prepared by bombardment and are not naturally occurring elements. The first transuranium element neptunium, Np, was prepared by bombarding U-238 with neutrons to form a neptunium atom and a beta particle. Complete the following equation:
¹₀n + ²³⁸₉₂U →? + ?

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the problem. The reaction involves bombarding uranium-238 (²³⁸₉₂U) with a neutron (¹₀n) to produce a neptunium atom (Np) and a beta particle (β⁻). A beta particle is represented as ⁰₋₁e, which indicates a change in atomic number but not in mass number.

Step 2: Write the general nuclear reaction equation. The sum of the mass numbers (superscripts) and the atomic numbers (subscripts) on both sides of the equation must be equal. Start with: ¹₀n + ²³⁸₉₂U → ²³⁸₉₃Np + ⁰₋₁e.

Step 3: Verify the mass numbers. On the left side, the total mass number is 1 (from the neutron) + 238 (from uranium), which equals 239. On the right side, the mass number of neptunium is 238, and the beta particle has a mass number of 0. This confirms the mass numbers balance.

Step 4: Verify the atomic numbers. On the left side, the total atomic number is 0 (from the neutron) + 92 (from uranium), which equals 92. On the right side, the atomic number of neptunium is 93, and the beta particle has an atomic number of -1. This confirms the atomic numbers balance.

Step 5: Conclude the reaction. The completed nuclear equation is: ¹₀n + ²³⁸₉₂U → ²³⁸₉₃Np + ⁰₋₁e. This shows that uranium-238 absorbs a neutron, undergoes beta decay, and forms neptunium-238.

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Key Concepts

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

Transuranium Elements

Transuranium elements are those elements with atomic numbers greater than that of uranium (92). They are not found in nature and are typically synthesized in laboratories through nuclear reactions, such as neutron bombardment. Understanding their formation is crucial for grasping the processes involved in nuclear chemistry and the creation of heavier elements.

Nuclear Reactions

Nuclear reactions involve changes in an atom's nucleus and can result in the transformation of one element into another. In the context of the question, the bombardment of uranium with neutrons leads to the formation of neptunium and the emission of a beta particle. Familiarity with the types of nuclear reactions, including fusion and fission, is essential for completing the given equation.

Beta Decay

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (an electron or positron) is emitted from an atomic nucleus. This process occurs when a neutron in the nucleus transforms into a proton, increasing the atomic number of the element. Understanding beta decay is important for predicting the products of nuclear reactions, such as the one presented in the question.