46.5k views
0 votes
Consider the transmutation reaction shown

10/5 B + 1/0 n -> 7/3 Li + 4/2 He
Which statement best describes the reaction?
A) When boron-10 is struck by neutrons, it produces lithium-7 and an alpha particle.
B) When boron-10 gives off an alpha particle, it also forms a neutron and lithium-7.
C) When lithium-7 absorbs an alpha particle, it forms boron-10 and a neutron.
D) When lithium-7 gives off an alpha particle, it also forms a neutron and boron-10.
plZ help <3

User Vanny
by
4.5k points

2 Answers

3 votes

Answer: A

When Boron-10 is struck by neutrons, it produces Lithium-7 and an alpha particle.

This is done to control the number of neutrons available to interact with Boron to control the overall reaction rate

User Eduffy
by
5.2k points
5 votes

Answer:

Option A

Step-by-step explanation:

The reaction:

¹⁰B + ¹n → ⁷Li + ⁴He

Correspond to a boron neutron capture therapy, which is used for treating malignant tumors and extracutaneous melanomas.

In the reaction, the boron-10 captures the neutrons and undergoes nuclear fission to produce nuclei lithium-7 and alpha particles (nuclei ⁴He) than can kill the tumor cells.

Hence, the correct answer is option A) when boron-10 is struck by neutrons, it produces lithium-7 and an alpha particle.

I hope it helps you!

User Behzad Rabiei
by
5.2k points