12

Physical Science
Quarter 1 – Module 2:
The Atomic Number and the
Synthesis of New Elements
Physical Science – Grade 11/12
Self-Learning Module (SLM)
Quarter 1 – Module 1: The Atomic Number and the Synthesis of New Elements
First Edition, 2020

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work of
the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or office
wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such work for profit. Such
agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names,
trademarks, etc.) included in this module are owned by their respective copyright holders.
Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from their
respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership
over them.

Development Team of the Module

Writers: Agustin A. Pandoma – Team Leader
Karen H. Gumbao Flordeles D. Agustin Al Jane S. Bacolod
Sonny P. Aniñon Elnar I. Robles Cherry E. Robles
Mariel Grace Jamero Richel M. Nacubuan Jorome C. Tolote
Gayle Russ C. Cabristante
Editors: Agustin A. Pandoma, Karen H. Gumbao
Reviewers: Dr. Murdy F. Bautista Lily Rose Y. Rafaila
Nestor A. Raguindin Judie E. Dela Cruz
Jay Sheen A. Molina
Illustrator: Ralp Vincent B. Feller
Layout Artist: Ysmael Yusoph E. Alamada
Cover Art Designer: Ian Caesar E. Frondoza
Management Team: Allan G. Farnazo, CESO IV – Regional Director
Fiel Y. Almendra, CESO V – Assistant Regional Director
Ruth L. Estacio, CESO VI – OIC – Schools Division Superintendent
Carlos G. Susarno, Ph.D - Assistant to the Schools Division Superintendent
Gilbert B. Barrera – Chief, CLMD
Arturo D. Tingson Jr. – REPS, LRMS
Peter Van C. Ang-ug – REPS, Science, ADM
Lalaine SJ. Manuntag, Ph.D – CID Chief
Nelida S. Castillo, Ph.D – EPS LRMS
Marichu Jean R. Dela Cruz, Ph.D – EPS Science, ADM

Printed in the Philippines by Department of Education – SOCCSKSARGEN Region

Office Address: Regional Center, Brgy. Carpenter Hill, City of Koronadal

Telefax: (083) 2288825/ (083) 2281893
E-mail Address: region12@deped.gov.ph
 12

Physical Science
Quarter 1 – Module 2:
The Atomic Number and the
Synthesis of New Elements
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the Physical Science 11/12 Self-Learning Module (SLM) on The

Atomic Number and the Synthesis of New Elements.

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by educators both
from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher or facilitator in helping
the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming
their personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to help
learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration their
needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body of
the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that
will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module.
You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to manage
their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the
learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

ii
For the learner:

Welcome to the Physical Science 12 Self-Learning Module (SLM) The Atomic Number
and the Synthesis of New Element.

The hand is one of the most symbolized part of the human body. It is often used to
depict skill, action and purpose. Through our hands we may learn, create and
accomplish. Hence, the hand in this learning resource signifies that you as a learner
is capable and empowered to successfully achieve the relevant competencies and
skills at your own pace and time. Your academic success lies in your own hands!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities for
guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled to
process the contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

What I Need to Know This will give you an idea of the skills or
competencies you are expected to learn in the
module.

What I Know This part includes an activity that aims to

check what you already know about the
lesson to take. If you get all the answers
correct (100%), you may decide to skip this
module.

What’s In This is a brief drill or review to help you link

the current lesson with the previous one.

What’s New In this portion, the new lesson will be

introduced to you in various ways such as a
story, a song, a poem, a problem opener, an
activity or a situation.

What is It This section provides a brief discussion of the

lesson. This aims to help you discover and
understand new concepts and skills.

What’s More This comprises activities for independent

practice to solidify your understanding and
skills of the topic. You may check the
answers to the exercises using the Answer
Key at the end of the module.

What I Have Learned This includes questions or blank

sentence/paragraph to be filled in to process
what you learned from the lesson.

What I Can Do This section provides an activity which will

help you transfer your new knowledge or skill
into real life situations or concerns.

iii
 Assessment This is a task which aims to evaluate your
level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.

Additional Activities In this portion, another activity will be given

to you to enrich your knowledge or skill of the
lesson learned. This also tends retention of
learned concepts.

Answer Key This contains answers to all activities in the

module.

At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a list of all sources used in developing

this module.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the
module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are
not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and
gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

iv
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
master the nature of physical science. The scope of this module permits it to be used
in many different situations, and let you explore the vast concept of physical science.
The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course.

At the end of this module, you will be able to explain how the concept of
atomic number led to the synthesis of new elements in the laboratory.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Describe the nuclear model, including the location of protons, neutrons,

and electrons;
2. Explain how Moseley discovered the correlation between the atomic
number of an element and the wavelengths of x-rays emitted by the
element; and
3. Discuss how new elements are synthesized.

What I Know

Pre-Assessment

Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a
separate sheet of paper.

___ 1. Among the scientists who were responsible for the development of the periodic
table are: I. Dmitri Mendeleev II. Johann Dobereiner and III. John
Newlands.
Arrange their names according to the history of the development of the
periodic table.
a. I , II, III c. III, I, II
b. II, III, I d. III, II, I

___ 2. Who was the scientist who arranged the elements according to group of three?
a. John Dalton c. Dmitri Inovich Mendeleev
b. Johann Wolfgang Dobereneir d. John Alexander Newlands

___ 3. How many electrons do all the elements belonging in Group II A have in their
outermost shell?
a. 1 c. 3
b. 2 d. 4

___ 4. What does the number of protons in a neutral atom represents?

a. Ionization energy c. Atomic number

1
 b. Electronegativity d. Atomic mass
___ 5. Which of the following element is an alkali metal?
a. Ba c. Li
b. Pb d. Fe

___ 6. Which of the following decreases across a period on the periodic table?
a. Atomic radius c. Electron affinity
b. Ionization energy d. Electronegativity

___ 7. Which of the following statements about atom is NOT correct?

a. Atoms become smaller as one moves down a group.
b. Atoms become smaller as one moves to the right across a period.
c. Atoms become larger when electrons are removed.
d. The size of an atom is not a factor in arranging the elements in the periodic
table.

___ 8. Who was the scientist who arranged the elements in horizontal rows according
to the increasing atomic masses?
a. John Dalton c. Dmitri Inovich Mendeleev
b. Johann Wolfgang Dobereneir d. John Alexander Newlands

___ 9. Which orbital is being filled in the lanthanide series of elements?

a. 4f c. 5f
b. 4d d. 5d

___ 10. Which of the following sets is a set of all metals?

a. S, Li, C c. K, Li, Na
b. He, Be, Ne d. Ca, Cr, Co

___ 11. What do you call the vertical column of the periodic table?
a. a period c. a group
b. a row d. none of these

___ 12. Which family of elements includes helium and neon?

a. Noble gases c. Halogens
b. Alkali metals d. None of these

___ 13. What family of elements includes fluorine and chlorine?

a. Noble gases c. Halogens
b. Alkali metals d. None of these

___ 14. How many electrons are there in an atom of an element in Period 4 group VII
A?
a. Four c. Six
b. Five d. Seven

___ 15. Which of the following elements reacts by gaining an electron?

a. He c. F
b. Be d. Na

2
 Lesson
We Are All Made of Star Stuff (Formation
1 of the Heavier Elements)

What’s In

Activity 1. Word Hunt

Look at the word bank below. Find and encircle the hidden words in
the GRID. The words may be hidden across, down or diagonally.

ACTINOID HYDROGEN OXYGEN

ATOMIC WEIGHT PERIODIC TABLE IRON
BERYLLIUM LANTHANIDES PERIODS
ELEMENTS LUSTER PROTONS
HALOGENS VALENCE ELECTRONS MENDELEEV

3
 What’s New

Activity 2. Tag the Parts!

Label the parts of the atom (protons, neutrons, electrons, nucleus,
quarks), then answer the following questions by writing them on the space
provided before each item.

1. 1.

}
2.

4.

3.
5.

Questions:

___________1. What part of the atom has no charge?

___________2. What part of the atom has a positive charge?

___________3. What part of the atom has a negative charge?

___________4. The atomic number is the same as the number of these

particles.

___________5. By which particles the mass number is determined?

4
Activity 3. Whose Model is It?
Explore the different models of the atom by completing the tables
below.

A. Dalton’s Model

Proposed: Early 1800s

Particles included: 1.

Description: 2. All matter is made of tiny particles called .

Why did it not 3. Did not account for and

work? .

B. Thomson’s Model

Proposed: Late 1800s

Particles included: 4.

5. The atom is a charged sphere with

Description:
embedded in
the sphere.
Why did it not
6. Did not account for the .
work?

C. Rutherford’s Model

Proposed: Early 1900s

Particles included: 7. and

8. Protons are found together in a ; the

Description: surround the
nucleus.

Why did it not

Did not explain how the electrons orbited the nucleus.
work?

5
 D. Bohr’s Model

Proposed: Early 1900s

Particles included: 9. and

10. Protons are found together in a ;

Description: the electrons move in around the
nucleus.

11. Theory did not work for elements other than

Why did it not
work?
__.

Activity 4. Build Me Up!

The periodic table of elements are arranged in a known chemical
elements in an informative array. Such arrangement provides information
which is beneficial to explore and understand both the physical and their
chemical properties.

Create your own periodic table using the set metacards with fictitious
elements as reflected below. Post your created periodic table in a long bond
paper for presentation.

Guide Question: What is your basis for creating your periodic table?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

6
Activity 5. Video Clip Analysis on the History of the Periodic Table

Watch the video clip to fill in the information needed in the table below.

Name of the Scientist Basis for the development

Demerits
developed the periodic table of the periodic table

Guide Questions:

Q2. What basis did Dobereiner use in developing his periodic table? Newlands’?
Mendeleev’s?

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________

Q3. What were the demerits in Dobereiner’s periodic table? Newlands’ and Mendeleev?

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________

Q4. According to Mendeleev, what do you call the horizontal rows in the periodic
table? What about the vertical columns?

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________

7
 What is It

The Atomic Number and the Synthesis of New Elements

Moseley’s X-ray Spectroscopy

Henry Gwyn-Jefferys Moseley was an English physicist who demonstrated

that the atomic number (the number of protons in an atom) determines most of the
properties of an element. He began his study of radioactivity in Ernest Rutherford’s
laboratory but later decided to explore more on X-rays.

In 1913, Moseley published a paper on the arrangement of the elements in the

Periodic table based on their atomic numbers. He used X-ray spectroscopy to
determine the atomic number of an element. He bombarded a beam of electrons to
different elements and measured their X-ray spectral lines. His results clearly
showed that frequency of the X-rays given off by an element was mathematically
related to the position of that element in the Periodic table. The frequency is
proportional to the charge of the nucleus, or the atomic number.

When the elements were arranged according to their atomic numbers, there
were four gaps in the table. These gaps corresponded to the atomic numbers 43, 61,
85, and 87. These elements were later synthesized in the laboratory through nuclear
transmutations.

Discovery of Nuclear Transmutation

In 1919, Ernest Rutherford successfully carried out a nuclear transmutation

reaction — a reaction involving the transformation of one element or isotope into
another element. He bombarded alpha particles from radium directed to the nitrogen
nuclei. He showed that the nitrogen nuclei reacted to the alpha particles to form an
oxygen nuclei. The reaction is written as

𝟏𝟒
𝟕𝑵 + 𝟒𝟐𝑯𝒆 → 𝟏𝟕
𝟖𝑶 + 𝟏𝟏𝑯
However, both alpha particles and atomic nuclei are positively charged, so
they tend to repel each other. Therefore, instead of using fast-moving alpha particles
in synthesizing new elements, atomic nuclei are often bombarded with neutrons
(neutral particles) in particle accelerators.

The Discovery of the Missing Elements

Recall that in 1925, there were four vacancies in the periodic table
corresponding to the atomic numbers 43, 61, 85, and 87. Two of these elements were
synthesized in the laboratory using particle accelerators.
A particle accelerator is a device that is used to speed up the protons to
overcome the repulsion between the protons and the target atomic nuclei by using
magnetic and electrical fields. It is used to synthesize new elements. In 1937,
American physicist Ernest Lawrence synthesized element with atomic number 43
using a linear particle accelerator. He bombarded molybdenum (Z=42) with fast-

8
moving neutrons. The newly synthesized element was named Technetium (Tc) after
the Greek word "technêtos" meaning artificial. Tc was the first man-made element.

In the year 1940, Dale Corson, K. Mackenzie, and Emilio Segre discovered
element with atomic number 85. They bombarded atoms of bismuth (Z=83) with fast-
moving alpha particles in a cyclotron. A cyclotron is a particle accelerator that uses
alternating electric field to accelerate particles that move in a spiral path in the
presence of a magnetic field. Element-85 was named astatine from the Greek word
“astatos” meaning unstable.

The two other elements with atomic numbers 61 and 87 were discovered
through studies in radioactivity. Element-61 (Promethium) was discovered as a decay
product of the fission of uranium while element-87 (Francium) was discovered as a
breakdown product of uranium.

Synthesis of New Elements

In the 1930s, the heaviest element known was uranium, with an atomic
number 92. Early in 1940, Edwin McMillan proved that an element having an atomic
number 93 could be created. He used a particle accelerator to bombard uranium
with neutrons and created an element with an atomic number 93 which he named
neptunium.

At the end of 1940, element-94 was synthesized by Seaborg, McMillan,

Kennedy, and Wahl. They bombarded uranium with deuterons (particles composed
of a proton and a neutron) in a cyclotron. Element-94 was named plutonium.

Elements with atomic numbers greater than 92 (atomic number of uranium)

are called transuranium elements. Hence, neptunium and plutonium are both
transuranium elements. They are unstable and decay radioactively into other
elements. All of these elements were discovered in the laboratory as artificially
generated synthetic elements. They are prepared using nuclear reactors or particle
accelerators. In the next lesson, you will learn the nuclear reactions involved in the
synthesis of these transuranium elements.

Nuclear Transmutation

A nuclear transmutation is a reaction involving the transformation of one

element into another element. It happens when a nucleus reacts with a subatomic
particle to produce a more massive nucleus. It occurs only on special conditions such
as the collision of the target nuclei with a beam of particles with high energies.

In 1919, the first successful transmutation was done by Rutherford. He

bombarded nitrogen nuclei with alpha particles to form oxygen nuclei. In the next
decades, other nuclear reactions were discovered by bombarding other elements with
alpha particles. However, since these particles have a strong repulsive force with the
target nuclei (both are positively charged), the progress in discovering elements was
slow. Scientists then tried other particles with higher energies. In 1932, major
advancements in nuclear reactions took place. Particle accelerators, which use a
projectile of high-energy particles, were invented.

9
Transuranium Elements

Transuranium elements are elements whose atomic numbers are greater

than 92. They are all unstable and undergo radioactive decay. Many of the
transuranium elements were prepared using particle accelerators, and much of this
work was facilitated by a group of scientists led by the American chemist, Glenn
Theodore Seaborg, and later, nuclear scientist Albert Ghiorso in the University of
California.

The most effective way of preparing transuranium elements specifically in the

lower members of the series (elements 93 to 95), was through nitrogen bombardment.
As for the heavier transuranium elements (96 to 101), they were generally prepared
with high-energy positive ions which include the use of deuterons, carbon nuclei,
and ions.

Examples

Neptunium (Z = 93)

The first transuranium element was identified by Edwin McMillan and Philip
Abelson in 1940. It was named neptunium, bearing an atomic number of 93. They
acquired the radioactive isotope of neptunium through the bombardment of uranium
oxide with slow neutrons. This reaction can be represented as

𝟐𝟑𝟖
𝟗𝟐𝑼 + 𝟏𝟎𝒏 → 𝟐𝟑𝟗
𝟗𝟑𝑵𝒑 + −𝟏𝟎𝜷
Plutonium (Z = 94)

After the discovery of 239Np, the decay of this element led to the discovery of
another element, bearing an atomic number of 94. Seaborg, together with McMillan,
Wahl, and Kennedy bombarded uranium with deuterons to form 238Np, with a half-
life of two days, which then decayed into 238Pu, with a half-life of 92 days. The
reactions can be represented as

𝟐𝟑𝟖
𝟗𝟐𝑼 + 𝟐𝟏𝑫 → 𝟐𝟑𝟗
𝟗𝟑𝑵𝒑 + 𝟎𝟏𝒏

𝟐𝟑𝟖 𝟐𝟑𝟖 𝟎
𝟗𝟑𝑵𝒑 → 𝟗𝟒𝑷𝒖 + −𝟏𝜷

Nuclear Decay Reaction

Nuclear decay reaction, also known as radioactive decay, is a reaction in

which the nucleus emits radiation and transforms into a new nucleus. The parent
nuclei are unstable, and the resulting daughter nuclei are more stable, having lower
mass and energy. Transuranium elements are unstable that they undergo
radioactive decay resulting in more stable elements.

The nuclear decay reactions involved in the synthesis of transuranium

elements are alpha decay, beta decay, and spontaneous fission.

10
Alpha Decay

The alpha decay is a reaction that emits helium-4 nucleus or alpha particle,
4
2𝛼 .
This decay produces a daughter nucleus with an atomic number reduced by two,
and a mass number reduced by four compared with the parent nucleus. Most nuclei
with mass numbers greater than 200 undergo this type of decay. The general reaction
can be represented as;

𝑨−𝟒
𝑨
𝒁𝑿 → 𝒁−𝟐𝒀 + 𝟒𝟐𝜶
where A is the mass number, Z is the atomic number, X represents the parent
nucleus, and Y represents the daughter nucleus.

For example, neptunium-237, the most abundant isotope of neptunium,

undergoes alpha decay to form protactinium-233. The nuclear reaction is
represented as

𝟐𝟑𝟕 𝟐𝟑𝟑 𝟒
𝟗𝟑𝑵𝒆 → 𝟗𝟏𝑷𝒂 + 𝟐𝜶

Beta Decay

In beta decay, a neutron is converted into a proton and emits an electron in

the form of a beta particle. The atomic number goes up by one while its mass number
remains the same. The general reaction can be represented as

𝑨
𝑨
𝒁𝑿 → 𝒁+𝟏𝒀 + −𝟏𝟎𝜷
For example, Curium-249 undergoes decay by beta particle emission to form
berkelium-249. The balanced equation for this reaction is represented as

𝟐𝟒𝟗 𝟐𝟒𝟗 𝟎
𝟗𝟔𝑪𝒎 → 𝟗𝟕𝑩𝒌 + −𝟏𝜷

Spontaneous Fission

In spontaneous fission, the nucleus breaks into pieces into different atomic
numbers and mass numbers. This occurs in very massive nuclei. For instance,
californium-254 undergoes spontaneous fission, making various sets of fission
products. One possible set can be represented as

𝟐𝟓𝟒 𝟏𝟏𝟖
𝟗𝟖𝑪𝒇 → 𝟒𝟔𝑷𝒅 + 𝟏𝟑𝟐 𝟒
𝟓𝟐𝑻𝒆 + 𝟎𝒏

In nuclear reactions, the parent nucleus is on the left side of the equation.
The daughter nucleus and the emitted particle are on the right side. The number of
nuclei is always conserved.

11
 What’s More

Activity 6. Periodic Table Making

Directions: Make your own periodic table using the hypothetical elements
that are given in the clues. Explain the word/s that will be formed if you
arrange the symbols of the elements correctly.

a) P and Pr both have one electron each. Pr has a bigger atomic size.
b) Od, Ri, and E are in the same series as P, C, and I. In terms of atomic size,
P is the biggest while C is the smallest.
c) E is a metal while I is non-metal. Od is smaller than Ri in atomic size.
d) O has a bigger atomic size than E in the same group. Y is also a bigger
atom than C in the same group.
e) R, T, Pe are in the same period as Pr. R is more non-metallic than Pe but
is more metallic than T.

Guide Questions:

Q1. What the is the word formed?

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

Q2. What does it mean? Explain.

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

Q3. How do you relate the periodic property to Mendeleev’s work?

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

12
Activity 7. “Sinetch Itey”

Blind Item: Scientists, Synthesized Elements and Nuclear Reactions

Direction: Read the following clues that determine the blind item. Refer to the icons
if it’s a scientist, an element or Nuclear Reaction.

In 1940, these 3 scientists

An English physicist who demonstrated
discovered an element with atomic
that the atomic number (the number of
number of 85 (Astatine- from Greek
protons in an atom) determines most of
word “astatos” meaning unstable)
the properties of an element. He began
using a cyclotron.
his study of radioactivity in Rutherford’s
laboratory but later decided to explore
more on X-rays.
1. 2.

In 1930s, the heaviest known

An American physicist who synthesized
an element with atomic number of 43
(Technetium – a Greek word “technetos”
meaning artificial – the first man-made
element) using a linear particle
accelerator.
3.
element is Uranium. In 1940, this
scientist proved that an element
having an atomic number of 93
could be created. He used a particle
accelerator to bombard uranium
with neutrons and created an
element with an atomic number of
93 which he named Neptunium.
4.

13
 At the end of 1940s, element-94 was
synthesized by these four scientist. They
bombarded uranium with deuterons
(particles composed of a proton and a
neutron) in a cyclotron. Element-94 was
named plutonium.
5.
An element discovered through studies
in radioactivity; element-61 was
discovered as decay product of the
fission of uranium.
7.
An element discovered through studies
in radioactivity; element-87 was
discovered as breakdown product of
uranium.
9.
14
The first successful nuclear
transmutation reaction was done by
this scientist. He bombarded
nitrogen nuclei with alpha particles
to form oxygen nuclei.
6.
A nuclear reaction involving the
transformation of one element or
isotopee into another element. It
happens when a nucleus reacts
with a subatomic particle to
produce a more massive nucleus.
8.
Major advancement in nuclear
reactions took place in 1932. This
advancement uses a projectile of
high-energy particles.
10.
Activity 8. Let’s Make Elements!!!

To start this activity, let’s assume that you are going to synthesize an
element. The instrument that you’re going to use is a Linear Particle
Accelerator that is shown below. You are given a list of steps on how to
synthesize a new element; in this case, you are going to synthesize element-
119. The steps given were not arranged in order, so you have to cut and paste
it in order (including the definition) in a space provided.

15
 What I Have Learned

 The atomic number is the number of protons (positively charged particles) in

an atom.
 Henry Gwyn-Jefferys Moseley was an English physicist who demonstrated
that the atomic number (the number of protons in an atom) determines most
of the properties of an element.
 In 1919, Ernest Rutherford successfully carried out a nuclear
transmutation reaction — a process of transforming one element or isotope
into another element.
 In 1925, there were four vacancies in the periodic table corresponding to the
atomic numbers 43, 61, 85, and 87. Elements with atomic numbers 43 and
85 were synthesized using particle accelerators.
 A particle accelerator is a device that is used to speed up the protons to
overcome the repulsion between the protons and the target atomic nuclei by
using magnetic and electrical fields. It is used to synthesize new elements.
 Elements with atomic numbers greater than 92 (atomic number of uranium)
are called transuranium elements. They were discovered in the laboratory
using nuclear reactors or particle accelerators.
 Nuclear reaction is the process where two nuclei collide to produce new ones.
 There are two types of nuclear reaction: nuclear transmutation and nuclear
decay reaction.
 Nuclear transmutation is a reaction involving the transformation of one
element or isotope into another element. This process occurs only in special
conditions such as the collision of target nuclei with a beam of particles with
high energies.
 Transuranium elements are elements whose atomic numbers are greater
than 92. They are all unstable and undergo radioactive decay.
 High-energy positive ions which include the use of deuterons, carbon nuclei,
and ions are used for synthesizing massive nuclei.
 Nuclear decay reaction is a reaction in which the nucleus of an element emits
radiation and transforms into another nucleus.
 The nuclear decay reactions involved in the synthesis of transuranium
elements are alpha decay, beta decay, and spontaneous fission.
 Alpha decay produces daughter nucleus with an atomic number reduced by
two and a mass number reduced by four compared with the parent nucleus.
 In beta decay, the atomic number of the nucleus increases by one while its
mass number remains the same.
 In spontaneous fission, several fission products are produced from the
parent nucleus. The sum of their mass numbers is equal to the mass number
of the parent nucleus. Similarly, the sum of their atomic numbers is equal to
the atomic number of the parent nucleus.

16
 What I Can Do

Activity 9. Nuclear Reactions Writing

Directions: Write the nuclear reactions involved in the synthesis of each of

the following new elements.

a) Curium (Z = 96) was formed by reacting Pu – 239 with alpha particles

42He. It has a half-life of 162 days.

b) Mendelevium (Z = 101) was formed by reacting En – 253 with alpha

particles.

c) Meitnerium (Z = 109) was formed by cold fusion which involves the

combination of Bi and Fe nuclides at ordinary temperature.

17
 Assessment

Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen in a separate
sheet.

___ 1. What do you call the number of positively charged particles in an atom?
a. Atomic number c. Atomic weight
b. Mass number d. Atomic mass

___ 2. Who proved that the atomic number determines the major properties of an
element?
a. Ernest Walton c. Henry Gwyn-Jefferys Moseley
b. Ernest Ruterford d. James Chadwick

___ 3. What was the method used by Moseley in determining the atomic number of
elements?
a. Mass Spectrometry c. NMR Spectroscopy
b. Xray Spectroscopy d. UV Spectroscopy

___ 4. Which of the following is true about the scientific basis of the periodic table as
published by Moseley?
a. The periodic table was arranged based on the mass number of elements.
b. The periodic table was arranged based on the atomic weight of elements.
c. The periodic table was arranged based on the atomic number of elements.
d. The periodic table was arranged based on the atomic number and atomic
weights of elements.

___ 5. How did Rutherford showed the first successful nuclear transmutation
reaction?
a. He bombarded nitrogen nuclei with neutrons to produce oxygen nuclei.
b. He bombarded nitrogen nuclei with protons to produce oxygen nuclei.
c. He bombarded alpha particles of nitrogen to oxygen nuclei to produce
radium nuclei.
d. He bombarded alpha particles of radium to nitrogen nuclei to produce
oxygen nuclei.

___ 6. Which of the following statements is true?

a. In 1925, the four vacancies in the periodic table were all synthesized in the
laboratory.
b. In 1937, Ernest Lawrence synthesized technetium using a linear particle
accelerator.
c. Element-61 and element-87 were discovered by bombarding atoms with
fast-moving alpha particles.
d. Element-43 was discovered by bombarding molybdenum with slow-moving
neutrons.

18
___ 7. During 1925, there were four vacancies in the periodic table corresponding to
the atomic numbers 43, 61, 85, and 87. Which of the following elements were
produced through studies in radioactivity?
a. Promethium c. Uranium
b. Calcium d. Astatine

___ 8. Which of the following are true about the transuranium elements?
a. Only particle accelerators can be used to synthesized transuranium
elements.
b. Some examples of transuranium elements include uranium, plutonium,
and neptunium.
c. Only few of the transuranium elements were synthesized in the laboratory.
d. Transuranium elements are elements which have atomic numbers greater
than 92.

___ 9. Which of the following is true about the particle accelerators?

a. They speed up the protons, overcoming the repulsion between the protons
and target nuclei.
b. They speed up electrons, overcoming the repulsion between the neutrons
and target nuclei.
c. They use either magnetic or electrical fields to speed up protons.
d. They use both magnetic and electrical fields to speed up electrons.

___ 10. Why is it easier to use neutrons to synthesize new elements compared to
alpha particles?
a. Neutrons have no charge. Thus, there is no electrostatic repulsion between
them and the target nuclei.
b. Neutrons are negatively charged. Thus, they are strongly attracted to the
positively charged target nuclei.
c. Neutrons are positively charged. Thus, they are able to overcome the
electrostatic repulsion between the target nuclei.
d. Neutrons are neither positively charged nor negatively charged. Thus, they
do not require force to collide with the target nuclei.

___ 11. Which of the following is the significance of Dimitri Mendeleev’s

contribution in developing the periodic table of elements?
a. helped explain variations in atomic mass for a given element
b. simplified representation of elements in periodic table
c. organized elements according to properties and chemical behaviors
d. added to understanding of transuranium elements

___ 12. Which nuclear process occurs in the collisions of target nuclei with a beam
of particles with high energy?
a. Nuclear fusion reaction
b. Nuclear fission reaction
c. Nuclear transmutation
d. Nuclear decay reaction

19
___ 13. The following are nuclear decay reaction involved in the synthesis of new
elements except____.

a. Alpha decay
b. Spontaneous fusion
c. Beta decay
d. Spontaneous fission

___ 14. Why atomic nuclei are often bombarded with neutrons in particle
accelerators and not with alpha particles in synthesizing new elements?

a. Because alpha particles and atomic nuclei are both positively charge, so
they tend to repel each other.
b. Because alpha particles can be positive or negative to attract atomic
nuclei.
c. Because neutral particles are negatively charged, so they attract each
other.
d. Because neutral particles and atomic nuclei are both positively charge,
so they tend to repel each other.

___ 15. What atomic numbers corresponded to the four gaps in the periodic table
arranged by Moseley?

a. 43,62,83, and 85 c. 40,60,80, and 85

b. 43,61,85,and 87 d. 43,65,85, and 87

Additional Activities

Performance Task

Read the following selected texts and make a comic strip based on it.

1. Making New Elements http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-

04/making-new-elements Retrieved: May 20, 2016

2. Discovery of the new chemical elements with numbers 113, 115, 117 and
118 http://www.jinr.ru/posts/discovery-of-the-new-chemical-elements-
with-numbers-113-115-117-and-118-2/ Retrieved: May 20, 2016

20
 21
What’s New
Activity 2. Tag the Parts!
1. Neutron 4. Proton
2. Proton 5. Proton and Neutron
3. Electron
What’s In
Activity 1. Word Hunt
Pre-Assessment
1. B2. A 3. B 4. C 5. C
6. A 7. A 8. B 9. C 10. C
11. C 12. A 13. C 14. D 15. D
Answer sKey
 22
Activity 5. Video Clip Analysis on the History of the Periodic Table
Q2.
 Dobereiner’s basis for developing is the group of three elements which showed
similar properties, called Dobereiner’s triads wherein the atomic mass of the
middle elements is approximately the mean of the atomic masses of the other
two elements.
 Newlands arranged the elements in an increasing order of their atomic masses
and found that every eight element had properties similar to that of the first.
He compared it to the octaves in music, thus classification was called as
Newlands Octaves.
 Mendeleev believed that the atomic mass of the element was the most
fundamental property in classifying elements. The arranged the known
elements in the increasing order of their atomic masses and their properties.
Q3.
 Dobereiner’s demerit is that it could identify only some triads from the known
elements since other triads did not obey the rule.
 As 56 elements were known at the time, Newlands could only arrange elements
from hydrogen up to calcium since after calcium the rest of the elements did
not show similar properties. Also, several new elements that were not featured
in Newlands classification were discovered later.
 As for Mendeleev, no fixed position could be given to hydrogen in the table as
it resembled an alkali metal as well as a halogen. At certain places, an element
of higher atomic mass has been placed before an element of lower mass such
as cobalt (Co=58.93) is placed before Nickel (Ni=58.71). Some elements placed
in the same sub group had different properties such as Manganese (Mn) is
placed with halogens wherein it totally differs in properties.
Q4.
 According to Mendeleev, the horizontal rows are called periods while the
vertical columns are called groups.
What’s New
Activity 4. Build Me Up
You may have arrange it by increasing or decreasing atomic
number, increasing or decreasing atomic mass or by grouping together
according to the colors of the fictitious elements.
Activity 3. Whose model is It?
1. None 7. Electrons, Protons
2. Atoms 8. Nucleus, Protons
3. Electrons, Protons 9. Electrons, Protons
4. Electrons 10. Nucleus, Orbits
5. Positively Charge; Electrons 11. Hydrogen
6. Nucleus
 23
What I Can Do
Activity 9. Writing Nuclear
Reactions
239 4 243
1. 94𝑃𝑢 + 2𝐻𝑒 → 96𝐶𝑢
253 4 257
2. 99𝐸𝑛 + 2𝛼 → 101𝑀𝑑
215 59 4
3. 83𝐵𝑖 + 26𝐹𝑒 + 0𝑛 →
278
109𝑀𝑡
Activity 8. Let’s Make Elements!!!
What’s More
Activity 7. Sinetch Itey
Activity 6. Periodic Table Making
1. Henry Gwyn-Jeffreys Mosely
Q5. Periodic property
2. Dale Corson, K. Mackenzie
Q6. Periodic properties are the
and Emilio Serge
recurring trends in physical and
3. Ernest Lawrence
chemical characteristics of
4. Edwin McMillan
elements as it is arranged in the
5. Seaborg, McMillan, Kennedy
periodic table.
and Wahl
Q7. The physical and chemical
6. Ernest Rutherford
properties of elements are periodic
7. Promethium
functions of their atomic masses.
8. Nuclear Transmutation
These properties were used by
9. Francium
Mendeleev in making his periodic
10. Particle Accelerator
table classification.
References

Books

Johnson, John D. Cutnell & Kenneth W. 2007. Physics 7th Edition. Illonois: John
Wiley & Sons, Inc (Asia).
Navarro, Mary Grace. 2016. Quipper, The Atomic Number and Synthesis of New
Elemnts.

Panodma, Agustin. 2012. Physiscs. KOronadal: Vibal.

Web Links

Bohr atomic model. (2015). In Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Retrieved October

27, 2015 from http://www.britannica.com/science/Bohratomic-model

Chadwick discovers the neutron. (1998). Retrieved October 27, 2015 from
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/dp32ne.html

Chronology of Discoveries in Atomic Structure. (n.d.) Retrieved October 27, 2015

from http://www.chemteam.info/AtomicStructure/ HistAtomicStructure.pdf

Henry Moseley. (2014, December 29). Retrieved October 27, 2015 from
http://www.famousscientists.org/henry-moseley/

Hope, I. 2018. The Atomic Number and the Synthesis of New Elements. 18 November

Hope, I. 2018. The Nuclear Reactions Involved in the Synthesis of New Elements . 19
November.

Rutherford atomic model. (2015). In Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Retrieved

October 27, 2015 from http://www.britannica.com/science/ Rutherford-
atomic-model

Thomson atomic model. (2015). In Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Retrieved Octo

ber 27, 2015 from http://www.britannica.com/science/ Thomson-atomic-
model

Making new elements. (2013). Retrieved May 20, 2016 from

http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-04/making-new-elements

Discovery of the new chemical elements with numbers 113, 115, 117 and 118.
(2016). Retrieved May 20, 2016 from http://www.jinr.ru/posts/ discovery-of-
the-new-chemical-elements-with-numbers-113-115-117-and-118-2/

Thomson atomic model: structure [art]. (2012). In Encyclopædia Britannica Online.

Retrieved October 27, 2015 from http://www.britannica.com/ science/
Thomson-atomic-model/images-videos/Thomson-atomic-model-William-
Thomson-envisioned-the-atom-as-a/18135

24
Rutherford atomic model [art]. (2012). In Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Retrieved
Oct. 27, 2015 from http://www.britannica.com/science/ Rutherford-atomic-
model/images-videos/Diagram-of-the-Rutherford-atomic-model/18079

Making New Elements http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-04/making-

new-elements Retrieved: May 20, 2016

Discovery of the new chemical elements with numbers 113, 115, 117 and 118
http://www.jinr.ru/posts/discovery-of-the-new-chemical-elements-with-nu
mbers-113-115-117-and-118-2/ Retrieved: May 20, 2016

2019. “Discovery Education.” Puzzle Maker. Accessed 1 June,

2020.http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/code/BuildWordSearch.a
sp.
2019. Giphy. Accessed 3 June, 2020. https://giphy.com/explore/periodic-table.

2019. Giphy. Accessed 4 June, 2020. https://giphy.com/gifs/l8LYLhthiKpu8.

2020. History of the Universe. Accessed 4 June, 2020.

https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/big-history-project/stars-
and-elements/knowing-stars-elements/a/dmitri-mendeleev.

2020. Bing.net. Accessed 30 May , 2020. https://tse1.mm.bing.net/

th?id=OIP.k1wcQFx2bfeyD4e66ZYwSwHaHa&pid=Api&P=0&w=300&h=300.

2020. Blogspot.com. Accessed 2 June, 2020. http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-

XCARQ51ERv4/VSLACEZZatI/AAAAAAAAKqg/HwlWM4nHPXU/s1600/enh
anced-buzz-2622-1374017569-19.jpg.
2020. Freepik. Accessed 2 June , 2020. https://image.freepik.com/free-icon/ male-
group-of-users-close-up-silhouette_318-39607.jpg.

2020. Iconfinder. Accessed 30 May, 2020. https://cdn3.iconfinder.com/data/icons

/hotel-3-1/48/127-512.png.

2020. Infoplease. Accessed 1 June, 2020. https://www.infoplease.com/math-

science/chemistry/the-periodic-table.
2020. Pinterest. Accessed 5 June , 2020. https://www.pinterest.ph/pin /45753764
3369252004/.

2020. Popsci. Accessed 5 June, 2020. https://www.popsci.com/resizer/

g7lgYpBhnHA6rd-qIb4fgV08CMA=/908x436/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prodbonni
er.s3.amazonaws.com/public/6367KKTS7NPAERVUH7TMCMQEOI.png.

2020. Scientific American. Accessed 4 June, 2020. https://www.scientific

american.com/article/the-evolution-of-the-periodic-system/.
2020. Shutterstock. Accessed 6 June , 2020. https://image.shutterstock.com/
image-vector/outline-particle-accelerator-vector-icon-260nw1468253825.jpg

2020. Teach Together. Accessed 4 June , 2020. http://teachtogether.

chedk12.com/teaching_guides/view/283.

25
 DISCLAIMER
This Self-learning Module (SLM) was developed by DepEd SOCCSKSARGEN with the
primary objective of preparing for and addressing the new normal. Contents of this
module were based on DepEd’s Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC). This
is a supplementary material to be used by all learners of Region XII in all public
schools beginning SY 2020-2021. The process of LR development was observed in
the production of this module. This is version 1.0. We highly encourage feedback,
comments, and recommendations.

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – SOCCSKSARGEN

Learning Resource Management System (LRMS)

Regional Center, Brgy. Carpenter Hill, City of Koronadal

Telefax No.: (083) 2288825/ (083) 2281893

Email Address: region12@deped.gov.ph