Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
MIMAROPA REGION
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF CALAPAN CITY
PEDRO V. PANALIGAN MEMORIAL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Name of Learner: _________________

Grade Level: _____________________
Section: _________________________
Date: ____________________________

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

Nuclear Reaction and Synthesis of New Elements

Background Information for Learners

This lesson focuses on nuclear reactions such alpha, beta, gamma decay that leads to the synthesis of
new elements. The understand more the concept of this lesson, kindly read thoroughly and analyze the content.

The atoms do not end with the atomic structure but rather on the discovery of how new elements are
formed. Ernest Rutherford developed not only the nuclear model of an atom but also the three different types
of radiation: alpha (α), beta (β), and gamma (У). The result of Rutherford’s alpha scattering experiment was
accounted for by proposing that an atom consists of a positive core called the nucleus. The atom is electrically
neutral where the nucleus contains protons and neutrons and a number of electrons equal to the number of
protons reside outside the nucleus.
In 1902, it was proposed that radioactivity produces new elements which led physicists and chemists to
discover various elements. These new elements however, turned out to be chemically identical to other known
elements although they have different atomic masses. When referring to the nucleus of an atom, the term
nuclide is used. It may be represented by the symbol AZX.

Alpha emission

It is the positively charged particle wherein the radioactive nuclide is changed in an element with regards
to the atomic number and mass number lower than 2 and 4. It is usually represented by this equation: 42 He

Example: The isotope of 234 Th

90 decays by an alpha emission.

234 Th
88Ra +
 230 4 He
90 2

Beta emission

This is the negatively charged particle in a nuclear reaction. In order for the radioactive nuclides to
stable, the neutron becomes a proton which stays inside the nucleus, and the electron is ejected from the atom
of a beta particle. The mass number will not change but the atomic number changes from one element to
another. (0-1 β)

Example: The isotope of 59 Fe

26 decays by a beta emission.

59 Fe  59 Co + 0 β
26 27 -1

A. Positron emission

A radioactive nuclide can attain stability in different ways: positron emission and electron capture.
Positron emission occurs when a proton becomes a neutron and an antimatter electron. The resulting
radioactive nuclide becomes a different element which has a lower atomic number but the same with their
atomic mass. (0+1e)

Example: The isotope of 11 C

6 decays by a positron.

11 C
5B +
 11 0 e
6 +1

B. Electron capture

In this type of nuclear reaction, the electron and proton combines to form a neutron. It has the same
condition as positron emission.

Example: Iodine-125 which is used to determine blood hormone levels undergoes electron capture.

125 Te  125 I + 0 e
52 53 -1
Gamma Radiation

As radioactive decays lead to more stable products, it always releases energy. Gamma rays are released
when a radioactive nuclide leaves a nucleus in an excited state.

Example: The isotope 99 Tc

43 decays by a gamma emission.

99 Tc  99 Tc + 0 У
43 43 0

Since, you are familiar with the radioactive processes that may occur in an element, you will now learn
how to write the correct nuclear reactions by using a step-by-step procedure.

Example: Let us take Uranium-232 as an example. What could be the next element produced as Uranium-232
undergoes alpha emission?

Step 1:
Determine the subscript for the missing nuclide.

Step 2:
The number you get from the missing nuclide corresponds with the atomic number of an element therefore;
you will identify the missing element.

Step 3:
In order to identify the superscript, repeat step 1 and you will get the mass number of a missing nuclide.

Therefore, Uranium-232 emits an alpha particle to for Thorium-228.

232 U  90Th + 2He

228 4
92

You can use the following steps as your guide in writing a balanced nuclear equation for each decay
process.

Learning Competency with Code

Explain how the concept of atomic number led to the synthesis of new elements in the laboratory.
S11/12PS-IIIb-11

Directions/Instructions
Here are some general guidelines for using a learning activity sheet:
1. Begin by reviewing the lesson for the activity sheet to get an overview of what you'll be learning.
2. Read each question or prompt carefully and consider your response before writing or typing it.
3. When responding to questions or prompts, use complete sentences with correct grammar and
spelling.
4. Use the provided resources, such as diagrams, charts, and textboxes, to complete the activity
sheet.
5. Take your time and be careful to ensure accuracy.
6. Review your responses to reflect on what you've learned and identify any areas that may require
additional study or practice.

Exercises/Activities

ACTIVITY 1
Directions: Each of the questions or incomplete statements below is followed by four suggested answers or
completions. Select the one that is best in each case. Write your answer on the space provided before each
number.

_____1. The isotope Ti–48 is produced by the alpha decay of which of the following:
A. 52Cr B. 54Cr C. 53Mn D. 53V
_____2. Calculate for the neutron of element Flerovium (Fl) – 289.
A. 174 B. 175 C. 176 D. 177
_____3. What is the missing element in order to complete the nuclear reaction?
24 Mg  23 Na + _____
12 11
A. 1H
1 B. 2He
4 C. +1e
0 D. 0-1e
_____4. It refers to the elements having the same atomic number but different in atomic mass number.
A. Isotopes B. Nuclei C. Radioisotopes D. Atom
_____5. What would be the correct product of the α – decay:
74 W  ____ +
184 4 He
2
A. 18270Hf B. 18876Os C. 18072Hf D. 18474Os
ACTIVITY 2
Directions: Write the balanced nuclear reaction for each radioactive decay processes.

1. Ce-144 decays by a beta emission.

2. Krypton-84 undergoes positron emission

3. Alpha emission by Plutonium-239

Guide Question
1. What is radioactive decay? Why does it happen?
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Reflection
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References for Learners

 Pamphlet in Physical Science, pp. 13-15
 SHS Module in Physical Science, pp 4-11

Prepared by:

JOLY ANN L. DEL RIO

SHS – Teacher I

Note: Practice Personal Hygiene Protocols at all times.