Question

11.

When curium-242 is bombarded with an alpha particle, two products are formed, one of which is a neutron. What is the other product?
(1 point)

californium-246
californium-245
californium-247
plutonium-239

Answer 1

Curium-242 when bombarded with an alpha particle( ₂He⁴),two products are formed,one is neutron and other one is californium - 245.

²⁴²Cm₉₆ + ⁴He₂ -----> ²⁴⁵Cf₉₈ + ¹n₀

total mass number = 242 + 4(left side) = 245 + 1 (right side)

total atomic number = 96 + 2(left side) = 98 + 0 (right side)

Since the other product must have atomic number 98 its californium and it must have mass number 245(as total mass number must be same on either sides),the correct option is Californium - 245.

Answer 2

Applying the conservation of mass:

Mass during bombardment:
242 (curium atom) + 4 (alpha particle)
= 246

This must equal the mass after bombardment:
1 (neutron) + x (unknown product)

246 = 1 + x
x = 245

The product is Californium-245