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Element 112 was first synthesised in 1996 and officially named in 2009 as copernicium, Cn - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 23 - 2011 - Paper 1
Question 23
Element 112 was first synthesised in 1996 and officially named in 2009 as copernicium, Cn. Explain why the transuranic isotope $_{112}^{278}Cn$ is unstable. Descri... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Element 112 was first synthesised in 1996 and officially named in 2009 as copernicium, Cn - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 23 - 2011 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain why the transuranic isotope $_{112}^{278}Cn$ is unstable.
Answer
The isotope is unstable primarily due to its large atomic mass and the imbalance between the number of protons and neutrons in its nucleus. As a heavy element, it has a high ratio of protons to neutrons, which leads to instability. The excess protons result in increased electrostatic repulsion between them, making the nucleus susceptible to decay processes such as alpha decay.
Step 2
Describe a method by which transuranic elements can be synthesised.
Answer
One method by which transuranic elements can be synthesised is through the process of nuclear fusion. This involves bombarding target elements, often composed of lighter nuclei, with high-energy particles such as neutrons or alpha particles. When these particles collide with the target nuclei, they can overcome the electrostatic forces and fuse to create heavier elements, including transuranic isotopes.