Q24.49 P - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

Irene and Frederic Joliot-Curie converted ${}_{\text{13}}^{\text{27}}$ Al to  ${}_{\mathbf{\text{15}}}^{\mathbf{\text{30}}}$P in . Why was this transmutation significant?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The existence of neutrons was verified and the first artificial radioisotopes was created.

Step 1: Introduction

For the production of artificial isotopes, Irene Joliot-Curie and Frederic Joliot were awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry in  _$1935$ . A new kind of radiation was discovered when they bombarded a thin piece of aluminium with alpha particles. 

 

Step 2: Explanation

Irene and Frederic observed that even after the radiation source was removed the radiation from the aluminium continued. It is because the aluminium was converted into a radioactive isotope of phosphorus.

 _{${}_{\text{13}}^{\text{27}}{\text{Al+}}_{\text{2}}^{\text{4}}\text{He}{\to }_{\text{15}}^{\text{30}}{\text{P+}}_{\text{0}}^{\text{1}}\text{n}$}

Because of this transmutation, the existence of neutrons was verified. Also, they were able to produce the first artificial radioisotopes.

Hence, the existence of neutrons was verified and the first artificial radioisotopes were created.