In 1994 it was proposed (and eventually accepted) that element 106 be named seaborgium, Sg, in honor of Glenn T. Seaborg, discoverer of the transuranium elements.

a. ²⁶³Sg was produced by the bombardment of ²⁴⁹Cf with a beam of ¹⁸O nuclei. Complete and balance an equation for this reaction.

b. ²⁶³Sg decays by α emission. What is the other product resulting from the α decay of ²⁶³Sg?

Interpretation: Production of 263Sg by the bombardment of 249Cf with a beam of 18O is given. Balanced chemical equations for the given nuclear reactions and its decay product by α emission are to be stated.

Concept introduction: Nuclei of radioactive element decompose in various ways. There are two major categories. One involves a change in mass number of the decaying nucleus, while others do not. Types of radioactive processes include α particle production, β particle production, γ ray production, electron capture and many others. Electron capture decay involves the capturing of one of the inner orbitals electrons by the nucleus.

Beta particle production decay involves the production of beta particle (−10e) that is assigned mass number zero.

A helium nucleus 24He is produced in the alpha decay process.

To determine: The balanced chemical equation for the given reaction.

The balanced chemical equation for the given process is

98249Cf+818O→ 106263Sg+401n

Atomic number of Sg is 106 and its mass number is 263

Interpretation: Production of 263Sg by the bombardment of 249Cf with a beam of 18O is given. Balanced chemical equations for the given nuclear reactions and its decay product by α emission are to be stated.

Concept introduction: Nuclei of radioactive element decompose in various ways. There are two major categories. One involves a change in mass number of the decaying nucleus, while others do not. Types of radioactive processes include α particle production, β particle production, γ ray production, electron capture and many others. Electron capture decay involves the capturing of one of the inner orbitals electrons by the nucleus.

Beta particle production decay involves the production of beta particle (−10e) that is assigned mass number zero.

A helium nucleus 24He is produced in the alpha decay process.

To find: The decay product from alpha decay.