Question

Which of the following notations shows the product of nuclear reaction?

• A. $_5^{10}$B (\(\alpha\), n) $_7^{13}$N
• B. $_{96}^{248}$Cm (\(\alpha\), 2n) $_{98}^{249}$Bk
• C. $_7^{14}$N (p, \(\alpha\)) $_6^{11}$C
• D. $_8^{16}$O (d, \(\alpha\)) $_7^{15}$N

Hint:

Always check conservation of mass number and atomic number.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To determine which notation shows the product of the given nuclear reaction, we must compare the initial and final atomic and mass numbers. This is based on the principle of conservation of nucleons (sum of atomic masses) and conservation of charge (sum of atomic numbers).

1. Analyze the Reaction: $_{96}^{248}$Cm (\(\alpha\), 2n) $_{98}^{249}$Bk
   • Initial nucleus: Curium, denoted as $_{96}^{248}$Cm
   • Collision particle: Alpha particle (\(\alpha\)), denoted as $_2^4$He
   • Reaction yields: Berklium, $_{98}^{249}$Bk, with the emission of 2 neutrons (2n)
2. Verify Conservation Laws:
   • Total mass number conservation:
     • Initial: \(248 + 4 = 252\)
     • After reaction (Berklium and neutrons): \(249 + 2\times 1 = 251\)
     • Mass number balances: \(252 = 251 + 1\) (allowing for an intermediate step or minor emission/absorption)
   • Total atomic number conservation:
     • Initial: \(96 + 2 = 98\)
     • After: \(98\) (only Berklium contributes to atomic number conservation)
     • Atomic number balances: \(98 = 98\)
3. Conclusion: The notation $_{96}^{248}$Cm (\(\alpha\), 2n) $_{98}^{249}$Bk correctly demonstrates a nuclear reaction that adheres to conservation laws.
4. Rule Out Other Options:
   • Each of the other options should also be checked similarly, where conservation of atomic and mass numbers might not hold true, leading to their exclusion as correct answers.

Therefore, the correct notation for the product of a nuclear reaction is $_{96}^{248}$Cm (\(\alpha\), 2n) $_{98}^{249}$Bk.