Question

How many neutrons are emitted when a californium-249 nucleus (Z=98) is bombarded with a nitrogen-15 nucleus to produce a 260105Db nucleus? How many neutrons are emitted when a californium-249 nucleus (Z=98) is bombarded with a nitrogen-15 nucleus to produce a Db nucleus? a. zero b. two c. three d. four e. one

Answer 1

Answer: During the given fusion process, 4 neutrons are emitted.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a nuclear reaction, the total mass and total atomic number remains the same.

The fusion reaction between californium-249 and nitrogen-15 nuclei, the equation follows:

`^(249)_(98)\textrm{Cf}+_(7)^(15)\textrm{N}\rightarrow ^(260)_(105)\textrm{Db}+Y^1_0\textrm{n}`

To calculate Y:

Total mass on reactant side = total mass on product side

249 + 15 = 260 + Y(1)

`\Rightarrow 264=260+(Y* 1)\\\\Y=264-260=4`

Hence, during the given fusion process, 4 neutrons are emitted.