24.144 CP - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

Seaborgium-263  (Sg), the first isotope of element 106 synthesized, was made, together with four neutrons, by bombarding californium-249  with oxygen-18 . It then underwent a series of decays starting with three emissions. Write balanced equations for the synthesis and the three emissions of  ²⁶³Sg.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

$$\begin{gathered} \text{SynthesisReaction}:{ }_{98}^{249}Cf{+}_8^{18}O\to 4_0^{1}n{+}_{106}^{263}\text{Sg} \\ \text{First α emissionreaction}:{ }_{106}^{263}Sg{\to }_2^4\alpha {+}_{104}^{259}\text{Rf} \\ \text{Second α emissionreaction}:{ }_{104}^{259}Rf{\to }_2^4\alpha {+}_{102}^{255}\text{No} \\ \text{Third α emissionreaction}:{ }_{102}^{255}No{\to }_2^4\alpha {+}_{100}^{251}\text{Fm} \end{gathered}$$

Step 1: Nuclear Chemistry

Nuclear chemistry is the study of the chemical and physical properties of elements that are involved in nuclear processes or reactions that take place within the nucleus' structure. From the research of element production in space to the design of radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic medicine, modern nuclear chemistry, also known as radiochemistry, has become increasingly interdisciplinary in its applications.

Step 2: Explanation

The balanced equations for the synthesis and the three alpha emissions of  ²⁶³Sg.

First is the bombarding californium-249  with oxygen-18 , bombarding californium-249 with oxygen-18 .

 ${}_{98}{}^{249}Cf{+}_8^{18}O\to 4_0^{1}n{+}_{106}^{263}Sg$

It then underwent a series of decays starting with three alpha emissions. The first emission will produce ₁₀₄²⁵⁹Rf , that will also undergo another process of alpha emissions. 

 ${}_{106}{}^{263}Sg{\to }_2^4\alpha {+}_{104}^{259}Rf$

The next alpha emission will produce  data-custom-editor="chemistry" ${}_{102}{}^{255}No.$

 ${}_{104}{}^{259}Rf{\to }_2^4\alpha {+}_{102}^{255}No$

The last alpha emission produces Seaborgium- 263.