A long-cherished dream of alchemists was to produce gold from cheaper and more abundant elements. This dream was finally realized when \({ }_{80}^{198} \mathrm{Hg}\) was converted into gold by neutron bombardment. Write a balanced equation for this reaction.

Understanding the importance of a balanced nuclear equation is essential in the study of nuclear reactions. In these reactions, elements are converted into new elements or isotopes, and it's crucial that the number of protons (atomic number) and the total mass (atomic mass) remains consistent before and after the reaction. This is due to the laws of conservation of energy and mass.

Consider a balanced nuclear equation as a meticulous accounting system where the sum of atomic numbers and the sum of atomic masses on both sides of the reaction must be equal. In our exercise, the objective is to transform mercury into gold, a process that involves the addition of a neutron to the nucleus of the mercury atom. For students, visualizing this process can enhance understanding. Imagine the neutron as a 'spice' added to change the 'flavor' of an element, turning it from mercury to gold.

The correct equation thus reflects the careful conservation of both atomic number and atomic mass during the reaction: \[ { }_{80}^{198}\mathrm{Hg} + { }_{0}^{1}\mathrm{n} \rightarrow { }_{79}^{197}\mathrm{Au} + { }_{1}^{2}\mathrm{n}. \]This equation tells us that the neutron bombardment has transformed one element into another while emitting another particle to keep everything balanced.

Neutron bombardment is a fascinating technique that lets scientists change one element into another. It involves directing neutrons at an element's nucleus, triggering changes that can result in a different element or isotope. This method is the modern realization of the alchemist's dream to convert one substance to a more valuable one, such as mercury to gold.

In our example, mercury undergoes neutron bombardment, which induces nuclear transmutation. The neutrons used in such bombardments are subatomic particles with a mass of one atomic mass unit but with no charge, meaning they don't alter the target's charge upon impact. To elucidate this concept to students, you might liken it to a game of pool: the neutron is the cue ball that hits the target ball (the nucleus of mercury), causing a reaction that changes the game (the elemental composition).

Neutron bombardment processes are widely used in various applications, including the production of medical isotopes and in nuclear reactors. Knowing this concept deepens student comprehension of how modern science manipulates atomic structures for beneficial uses.

The atomic mass unit (amu) is a standard unit for measuring the mass of particles in atoms. Precisely defined, one amu is one twelfth the mass of a carbon-12 atom. Because atoms and subatomic particles are so tiny, using the amu makes it much more manageable to express their masses.

When students first learn about amu, it can be helpful to compare it to something more tangible in their world. For instance, if you think of a tiny bead representing an amu, you could see an entire necklace as the equivalent mass of one carbon-12 atom.

In the context of neutron bombardment that we've been discussing, the neutron has a mass roughly equal to 1 amu. This is significant in our balanced nuclear equation because each particle's mass must be accounted for to preserve the law of conservation of mass. Grasping the concept of an amu enables students to better understand and calculate the finer details of nuclear reactions, and appreciate the precision required in the field of nuclear physics.