To determine which equation represents an example of artificial transmutation, we need to understand the concept of artificial transmutation. Artificial transmutation involves changing one element into another element by bombarding it with subatomic particles or small nuclei.
Let's analyze each provided equation:
A) [tex]\(\mathrm{_{21}^{43}Sc \rightarrow \ _{20}^{40}Ca + \ _{-1}^{0}e}\)[/tex]
- This represents a beta decay, where a neutron turns into a proton and emits an electron ([tex]\(\beta\)[/tex]-particle). This is not an example of artificial transmutation, as it occurs naturally.
B) [tex]\(\mathrm{_{7}^{14}N + \ _{2}^{4}He \rightarrow \ _{8}^{17}O + \ _{1}^{1}H}\)[/tex]
- Here, nitrogen-14 is bombarded with a helium nucleus ([tex]\(\alpha\)[/tex]-particle) to produce oxygen-17 and a proton. This is artificial transmutation because a nucleus is being transformed into a different element through bombardment.
C) [tex]\(\mathrm{_{4}^{10}Be \rightarrow \ _{5}^{10}B + \ _{-1}^{0}C}\)[/tex]
- This reaction appears to be incorrect as it implies a beryllium atom turning into boron and an unidentified particle ([tex]\(\mathrm{C}\)[/tex]), which is not an example of a recognized decay process. This is not artificial transmutation.
D) [tex]\(\mathrm{_{6}^{14}C \rightarrow \ _{7}^{14}N + \ _{-1}^{0}e}\)[/tex]
- This represents a beta decay of carbon-14 into nitrogen-14. Similar to option A, this is a natural radioactive decay process, not a result of artificial transmutation.
Based on the given analysis, the correct equation that represents an example of artificial transmutation is:
B) [tex]\(\mathrm{_{7}^{14}N + \ _{2}^{4}He \rightarrow \ _{8}^{17}O + \ _{1}^{1}H}\)[/tex]
