Question

Curium-242 was synthesized by bombarding an isotope with alpha particles, Which equation shows this reaction?

²⁹²₉₆Cm + ⁴₂α → ...... + ¹₀n

a. Californium-295, atomic # = 98
b. Californium-295, atomic # = 96
c. Curium-295, atomic # = 96
d. Plutonium-295, atomic # = 94

Answer 1

The synthesis of Curium-242 through alpha particle bombardment requires a specific isotope to be bombarded, but the question incorrectly references plutonium-295. Instead, the alpha particle emission from Plutonium-244, resulting in Uranium-240 as the daughter isotope, is correctly shown in a nuclear equation.

Step-by-step explanation:

To synthesize Curium-242 using alpha particles, you would bombard another isotope with the alpha particles to produce Curium-242. The relevant nuclear equation showing the production of Curium-242 isn't provided for plutonium-295 with atomic number 94, as this isotope does not exist. However, if you intended to ask about the synthesis of a different isotope via alpha particle bombardment, please specify the correct isotopes involved.

For the synthesis of a plutonium isotope, the alpha particle emission of Plutonium-244 can be expressed in a nuclear equation showing the release of an alpha particle (He-4) and the formation of the daughter isotope. The equation would look like this:

^244_94Pu → ^240_92U + ^4_2He

In this reaction, Uranium-240 is the daughter isotope produced after plutonium undergoes alpha decay.