Let's analyze the given nuclear reaction step-by-step:
Given nuclear reaction:
[tex]\[^{60}_{27}Co \rightarrow ^0_{-1}e + ^{60}_{28}Ni\][/tex]
1. Identify the Particles Involved:
- [tex]\(^{60}_{27}Co\)[/tex]: This is a cobalt-60 nucleus.
- [tex]\(^{0}_{-1}e\)[/tex]: This is a beta particle (specifically a beta-minus particle, which is an electron).
- [tex]\(^{60}_{28}Ni\)[/tex]: This is a nickel-60 nucleus.
2. Determine the Type of Reaction:
- In beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus of an atom converts into a proton, an electron (beta particle), and an antineutrino. The electron (beta particle) is emitted from the nucleus.
- The atomic number of cobalt (Co) increases by 1 (from 27 to 28), turning it into a nickel (Ni) nucleus.
- The mass number remains the same (60) because the mass number change during beta decay is negligible (the electron's mass is very small compared to the nucleons).
3. Classify the Reaction:
A) Fission:
- Fission is the splitting of a heavy nucleus into two lighter nuclei, along with the release of energy.
- This does not apply here as there is no splitting into lighter nuclei.
B) Fusion:
- Fusion is the process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.
- This is not occurring here as we are not combining nuclei.
C) Artificial Transmutation:
- Artificial transmutation involves changing one element into another by bombarding it with particles in a laboratory setting.
- This reaction is happening naturally without forced bombardment.
D) Natural Transmutation:
- Natural transmutation is the process where an unstable nucleus naturally changes into a different element by emitting particles, like in the case of radioactive decay.
- Given the reaction, cobalt-60 naturally decays into nickel-60 by emitting a beta particle, fitting the description of natural transmutation.
Based on the characteristics of the given reaction, the correct classification is:
D) Natural Transmutation
Therefore, the answer is:
D) Natural Transmutation
