Question

The radioactive isotope \(_{27}^{60}\textrm{Co}\) which is used in the treatment of cancer can be made by (n, p) reaction. For this reaction the target nucleus is

• A. \(_{27}^{59}\textrm{Co}\)
• B. \(_{28}^{60}\textrm{Ni}\)
• C. \(_{27}^{60}\textrm{Co}\)
• D. \(_{28}^{59}\textrm{Ni}\)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

 The given problem relates to nuclear reactions and specifically involves understanding the formation of a radioactive isotope used in cancer treatment, \(_{27}^{60}\textrm{Co}\), through an (n, p) reaction. The focus here is to determine the target nucleus suitable for this reaction.

An (n, p) reaction involves a neutron hitting a nucleus and a proton being emitted as a result. In this type of nuclear reaction, a neutron is absorbed by a nucleus and a proton is ejected. For the given isotope \(_{27}^{60}\textrm{Co}\), the reaction can be denoted as follows:

\({_{Z}^{A}\textrm{X}} + _{0}^{1}\textrm{n} \rightarrow _{Z-1}^{A}\textrm{Y} + _{1}^{1}\textrm{p}\)

Substituting into this equation to form \(_{27}^{60}\textrm{Co}\), the equation becomes:

\({_{27}^{59}\textrm{Co}} + _{0}^{1}\textrm{n} \rightarrow _{27}^{60}\textrm{Co} + _{1}^{1}\textrm{p}\)

From the equation above, we see that the starting or target nucleus is \(_{27}^{59}\textrm{Co}\). This is because a neutron is added to \(_{27}^{59}\textrm{Co}\), converting it to \(_{27}^{60}\textrm{Co}\), while a proton is released in the process.

Now, let's analyze why the other options are incorrect:

• \(_{28}^{60}\textrm{Ni}\): This would involve the conversion of nickel (Ni) into cobalt (Co), which requires a completely different reaction than an (n, p) reaction.
• \(_{27}^{60}\textrm{Co}\): This is the desired product, not the target nucleus.
• \(_{28}^{59}\textrm{Ni}\): Again, this involves changing the atomic number, which cannot result from a simple (n, p) reaction targeting nickel (Ni).

Therefore, the correct answer is \(_{27}^{59}\textrm{Co}\), as this nucleus successfully participates in the (n, p) reaction to produce the desired radioactive isotope, \(_{27}^{60}\textrm{Co}\).