The nuclide ²⁴⁷Es can be made by bombardment of ²³⁸U in a reaction that emits five neutrons. Identify the bombarding particle.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the initial and final nuclides in the reaction: initial is 238U and final is 247Es.
2. Write the nuclear reaction equation: 238U + X -> 247Es + 5n, where X is the unknown bombarding particle.
3. Use the conservation of mass number: 238 + A = 247 + 5, where A is the mass number of the bombarding particle.
4. Use the conservation of atomic number: 92 + Z = 99, where Z is the atomic number of the bombarding particle.
5. Solve the equations to find the values of A and Z, which will identify the bombarding particle.

Key Concepts

Nuclear Reactions

Nuclear reactions involve the transformation of atomic nuclei through processes such as fusion, fission, or particle bombardment. In this context, a target nucleus (238U) is bombarded by a particle, leading to the emission of neutrons and the formation of a new nuclide (247Es). Understanding the types of nuclear reactions is essential for identifying the bombarding particle.

Neutron Emission

Neutron emission occurs when a nucleus releases neutrons during a nuclear reaction. In the given scenario, the reaction emits five neutrons, which indicates that the bombarding particle must facilitate this process. Recognizing the role of neutrons in nuclear stability and reactions is crucial for determining the nature of the bombarding particle.

Bombarding Particles

Bombarding particles are the incoming particles that interact with a target nucleus in a nuclear reaction. Common bombarding particles include protons, neutrons, and alpha particles. Identifying the correct bombarding particle requires understanding the reaction's energy and the type of nuclide produced, which in this case is 247Es from 238U.