The radioactive isotope 6027Co which is used in the treatment of cancer can be made by (n, p) reaction. For this reaction the target nucleus is
- 5928Ni
- 5927Co
- 6028Ni
- 6027Co
Answer
(3) 6028Ni
Solution
In an (n, p) reaction the target nucleus absorbs a neutron 10n and emits a proton 11H:
AZX + 10n 6027Co + 11H
Mass numbers: A + 1 = 60 + 1, so A = 60
Atomic numbers: Z + 0 = 27 + 1, so Z = 28 (nickel)
Target nucleus = 6028Ni
Answer: (3)