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NAME:
GRADE/SECTION:

Physical Science
Semesters I/II - Week 2
Atomic Number
and the Synthesis of
New Elements in the
Laboratory

CONTEXTUALIZED LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEETS

SCHOOLS DIVISION OF PUERTO PRINCESA CITY
Physical Science – Grade 11/12
Contextualized Learning Activity Sheets (CLAS)
Semesters I/II - Week 2: Atomic Number and the Synthesis of
New Elements in the Laboratory
First Edition, 2020
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 Lesson 1
Atomic Number
and the Synthesis of New Elements
MELC : Explain how the concept of atomic number led to the synthesis
of new elements in the laboratory S11/12PS-IIIB-11 (Week 1)
Objectives: 1.Explain how the concept of atomic number led to the synthesis
of new elements in the laboratory.
2. Identify the different elements formed after the process of
synthesis.
3. Realize the importance of the atomic number in identifying the
new elements identity in the periodic table.
4. Write the nuclear reactions involved in the synthesis of new elements

Let’s Try
Directions: Let us see if you can use your previous knowledge on this subject to answer
the questions below. On the line given before the number, choose and write only the letter
of the best answer.

1. 1. What do you call the origin and production of heavy elements?

A. Stellar Nucleosynthesis C. Primordial Nucleosynthesis
B. Supernova Nucleosynthesis D. R-Process
2. Who created the classification of elements based on their atomic weight?
A. Dalton C. Millikan
B. Mendeleev D. Rutherford
3. Which of the following is known as the origin of light elements?
A. Stellar Nucleosynthesis C. Primordial Nucleosynthesis
B. Supernova Nucleosynthesis D. R-Process
4. Which of these elements have the atomic numbers beyond 103?
A. Gases Elements C. Lightest Element
B. Halogens D. Super Heavy Elements
5. Which of the following statements about nuclear reactions is FALSE?
A. No new elements can be produced.
B. Particles within the nucleus are involved.
C. Rate of reaction is independent of temperature.
D. Rate of reaction is independent of the presence of a catalyst.
6. What will be the new isotope formed when there is an electron captured ("Kcapture")
by 211At?
A. 210At C. 211Po
B. 212At D. 211Rn
7. Who discovered plutonium and several more elements and recognized that
transuranium elements behave like actinium?
A. Dmitri Mendeleev C. Glenn Seaborg
B. Frank W. Clarke D. John Dalton
8. Which of the following scientists was awarded Nobel Prize in 1911 for the
discovery of the radioactive elements, radium and polonium?
A. Emil Fischer C. John Dalton
B. Dmitri Mendeleev D. Marie Curie

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 9. Who successfully developed the periodic classification of the elements?
A. Dmitri Mendeleev C. John Newlands
B. Henry Moseley D. Julius Lothar Meyer
10. When 59Cu undergoes positron emission, what is the immediate nuclear
product?
A. 58Cu C. 59Ni
B. 58Ni D. 58Zn

Let’s Explore and Discover

Elements are identified by the nuclei of the atoms of
Unlocking of which they are made. For example, an atom having six protons
Difficulties in its nucleus is carbon, and one having 26 protons is iron.
There are over 80 naturally occurring elements, with uranium
• Atomic Number - (92protons) being the heaviest (heavier nuclei have been
the number of a produced in reactors on Earth). Nuclei also contain certain
chemical element in neutrons, usually in numbers greater than the number of
the periodic system. protons
• Synthetic Elements
– chemical elements Having these in mind, this module will help you understand how
tha does not occur does the concept of atomic number lead to the synthesis of the
naturally on Earth new elements in the laboratory

A chemical element is
made up of atoms of only one kind. The element in
the periodic table consists of discovered or
synthesized. There are 118 elements identified, 94
are naturally occurring elements while 24 are
synthetic elements. All elements with atomic
number 1 through 94 occur naturally at least in
trace quantities, but the following elements are
often produced through synthesis (Technetium,
promethium, astatine, neptunium, and plutonium) discovered through synthesis
before found in nature.
Isotopes are atoms with the same number of protons but have different
number of neutrons while nuclear reaction is a process in which two nuclei or
particles collide to produce different products than the initial particle.

In 1913, Moseley published a paper on the arrangement of the elements in

the Periodic table based on their atomic numbers. He used X-ray spectroscopy to
determine the atomic number of an element. He bombarded a beam of electrons to
different elements and measured their X-ray spectral lines. The results clearly
showed that the frequency of X-rays produced an element that was mathematically
related to the position of the said element in the Periodic table. The frequency is
proportional to the charge of the nucleus, or the atomic number. When the elements
were arranged according to their atomic numbers, there were four gaps in the table.
These gaps corresponded to the atomic numbers 43, 61, 85, and 87. These elements
were later synthesized in the laboratory through nuclear transmutations.

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Synthesis of New Elements
➢ In the 1930s, the heaviest element known was uranium, with an atomic number 92.
➢ Early in 1940, Edwin McMillan proved that an element having an atomic number 93
could be created. He used a particle accelerator to bombard uranium with neutrons
and created an element with an atomic number 93 which he named neptunium.
➢ Transuranic elements are synthetic elements with atomic numbers higher than that of
Uranium (Z = 92).

Plutonium (Z = 94)

➢ At the end of 1940, element-94 was synthesized by Seaborg, McMillan, Kennedy, and
Wahl. They bombarded uranium with deuterons (particles composed of a proton and a
neutron) in a cyclotron. Element-94 was named plutonium.
➢ Elements with atomic numbers greater than 92 (atomic number of uranium) are called
transuranium elements. They are unstable and decay radioactively into other
elements.
➢ All these elements were discovered in the laboratory as artificially generated synthetic
elements. They are prepared using nuclear reactors or particle accelerators. In the next
lesson, you will learn the nuclear reactions involved in the synthesis of these
transuranium elements.
The Nuclear Reactions Involved in the Synthesis of New Element
When synthesizing a new element, there are different processes involved. A new element
can be synthesized through nuclear reaction. The synthesis of an element is the artificial
creation of an element as they cannot be found in nature.
Synthesized elements are created by bombarding a known element into another element
with a particle accelerator. Nuclear reactions are processes in which a nucleus either
combines with another nucleus (nuclear fussion) or splits into smaller nuclei (nuclear
fission). Converting one chemical element or an isotope to another that includes a process
involved to change in number of protons and neutrons in the atom are considered as
nuclear transmutation.
Most Common Types of Nuclear Reactions
Nuclear Description Sy Example Illustration
Reaction mb
ol
Alpha Loss of alpha 𝟒
𝟐𝑎
Ex: Alpha decay of
Decay particle polonium-210

210 206 𝟒
84𝑃𝑜 82𝑃𝑏+ 𝟐𝑎

Figure 2. Alpha Decay

(Source: Burkhard Heuel-Fabianek

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d7
/Alphadecay.jpg Wikimedia Commons Attribution 2.5)

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Beta Loss of a beta 𝟎
−𝟏𝛽
Ex: Beta decay of
Decay particle Carbon-14

14 14 0
6𝐶 7𝑁+ −1β

Figure 3. Beta Decay

(Source: Exc ,
https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/6a7d07b
e-c30b-412f-8bf1-8405c683a4bf Creative Commons
Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Greece)

Gamma Emmision of a 𝟎
𝟎𝗒 Ex: Gamma
Radiation Gamma Ray radiation in alpha
decay of uranuim -
238

90 𝑇ℎ + 𝟐 𝑎
238 234 𝟒 Figure 4. Gamma Radiation
92 𝑈
(alpha decay)
(Source: Habitator Terrae,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gamma_rad
iation_(alternative).svg Wikimedia Commons
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0
90 𝑇ℎ + 0γ
234 234 0
90𝑇ℎ
(gamma radiation)
Positron Conversion of a Ex: Positron
Emission proton in a 𝟎
emmision of of
nucleus into a +𝟏𝒆 oxygen-15
neutron, along
with the release
of positron 15
8𝑂
15
7𝑁 + 𝟎
+𝟏𝒆

Figure 5. Positron Emmision

(Source: C406grp2-sp14 ,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Positron_Emission_of_Flu
orine-18.png Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0
Unported)

Electron Drawing of an 𝟎
−𝟏𝒆 Ex. Electron
Capture electron into an Capture of
atom nucleus. Mercury-201

201
80 𝐻𝑔 + −𝟏
𝟎
𝒆 𝟐𝟎𝟏
𝟕𝟗𝑨𝒖

Figure 6. Electron Capture

(Source: Tosaka,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Electron_capture_NT.PN

Bombard Addition of apha Ex. Bombardment

ment of Particle of berrylium with
Alpha Alpha particle
Particle
9𝐵𝑒 + 𝟒𝑎 𝟏𝟐𝑪+ 𝟏𝒏
4 𝟐 𝟔 𝟎

Figure 7. Bombardment of Alpha Particle

(Source: H Paul ,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Li6-D_Reaction.png
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported)

4
 Proton 𝟏
𝟏𝒑

Neutron 𝟏
𝟎𝒏

Nuclear Reaction Involved in Synthesis of New Element in the Laboratory

Reaction Description
Capture Reaction Type of nuclear reaction
(Neutron capture) in which a target nucleus
absorbs a neutron
(uncharged particle), then
emits a discrete quantity
of electromagnetic energy
(gamma-ray photon).
Atomic nucleus and one or
more neutrons collide and
merge to form a heavier
nucleus.
Fission Reaction The nucleus of an atom
splits into smaller parts
(lighter nuclei). The fission
process often produces
free neutrons and photons
(in the form of gamma
rays) and releases a large
amount of energy. The
splitting of a heavy
nucleus into two lighter
ones.
Fusion Reaction Two light nuclei combine
to produce a heavier, more
stable nucleus, is the
opposite of nuclear fission.
Process/Illustration
• S-process (slow addition of
neutrons) - Slow addition of
neutrons to nuclei. However, if an
electron is emitted (this is called
beta decay), the nucleus moves one
step up the periodic table.
𝑭𝒆𝟓𝟔 + 𝒏𝟎 𝑭𝒆𝟓𝟕
𝑭𝒆𝟓𝟔 𝑪𝒐𝟓𝟕+𝒆−
Here a neutron changed into a proton by
emitting an electron
• R-process (rapid addition of
neutrons) This the Rapid addition of
neutrons to existing nuclei. Rapid
here means that many neutrons are
added before a beta decay occurs.
Figure 7. Fission Reaction
(Source: Mike Run,
https://search.creativecommons.org/photos/b68b8c5
c-5cca-4ff8-bb0e-989c1e099683 Creative Commons
Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International)

Figure 8. Fusion reaction

(Source: Someone,
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4d/N
uclear_fusion.gif Wikimedia Commons Attribution 3.0)

Nuclear fusion produces new elements by "fusing" two small nuclei into a larger nucleus.
It is a nuclear reaction in which two or more atomic nuclei collide at nearly the speed of
light and join to form a new type of atomic nucleus. This creates new elements.
➢ Nuclear fusion converts hydrogen into helium in all stars.
For example:
₁¹H + ₁¹H → ₁²H + ₁⁰e
₁¹H + ₁²H → ₂³He
₁²H +₁³H → ₂⁴He + ₀¹n

5
Hydrogen and helium nuclei can then be fused into heavier elements. Gradually, all the
other elements up to uranium must been formed in the stars.
➢ Even heavier or “trans-uranium” elements can be made by accelerating two ions to
a very high speed but opposite in direction and allows them to collide.
For example:
55
₉₂²³⁸U + ₇¹⁴N → ₉₉²⁴⁸Es + 4₀¹n
➢ Other elements are made up by neutron bombardment in a nuclear reactor.
For example:
₉₄²³⁹Pu + 2₀¹n → ₉₅²⁴¹Am + ₋₁⁰e
So, from these two methods, a whole series of man-made or “artificial” elements from atomic
number 93 to 118 has been synthesized.
Points to Ponder!
• Henry Gwyn-Jeffreys Moseley was an English physicist who demonstrated that the
atomic number, the number of protons in an atom, determined most of the properties
of an element.
• The atomic number is the number of protons (positively charged particles) in an
atom.
• Elements with atomic numbers greater than 92 (atomic number of uranium) are
called transuranium elements. They were discovered in the laboratory using
nuclear reactors or particle accelerators.
• A particle accelerator is a device used to speed up the protons and to overcome the
repulsion between the protons and the target atomic nuclei by using magnetic and
electrical fields. Moreover, it is used to synthesize new elements.
• In 1919, Ernest Rutherford successfully carried out a nuclear transmutation
reaction which is a process of transforming one element or isotope into another
element.
• In 1925, there were four vacancies in the periodic table corresponding to the atomic
numbers 43, 61, 85, and 87. Elements with atomic numbers 43 and 85 were
synthesized using particle accelerators.
• Dmitri Medeleev - Russian chemist who lived from 1834 to 1907. He is the most
valuable contributor to the development of the periodic table. His version of the
periodic table organized elements into rows according to their atomic mass and into
columns based on their chemical and physical properties.
• Henry Moseley - English physicist who experimentally demonstrated the major
properties of an element that determines the atomic number, not only just by the
atomic weight, but by firmly established the relationship between atomic number
and the charge of the atomic nucleus.

(Source: Gian Karlo R. Dapul, Maria Kristina

Salazar, Teaching Guide for Senior High School Physical Science. Quezon City:
Commission on Higher Education, 2016, 59-62)

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 Let’s Practice

ACTIVITY 1 Directions: Complete the following statements below by selecting

the appropriate words from the box. Write your answers in the
provided spaces.

galaxy main sequence star red star

star black hole stellar neucleosynthesis neutron star nebula
light ch emical elements

1. It is believed that a is formed from supernova explosion.

2. starts to form when nuclear fusion occurs at the
core of the star, it begins to contract, glow and become stable. Hydrogen is
converted into Helium.
3. is a region in space where gravity is too strong that no matter
can escape from it.
4. The formation of elements in the center of the star is called
5. The created within the first three minutes of the universe's
formation.

ACTIVITY 2 Directions: Refer to your periodic table and fill the blank periodic
table of element below. Identify the given elements and write their
symbol on each blank square including their atomic number.

Why do you think is it important to identify the atomic numbers of the

periodic elements?

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 Let’s Do More

ACTIVITY 1 Directions: Write the balanced equation that describes the

given reactions.

1. Alpha Decay of 252𝐶𝑓

98

2. Beta Decay of 239𝑁𝑝

97

3. Gamma Radiation in Alpha

Decay of Plutonium- 239

4. Beta Decay of Am-233

5. Positron emission of Pu-246

ACTIVITY 2 Directions: Complete the table using the periodic table of

elements and information given below.

PART I

ELEMENT SYMBOL ATOMIC NUMBER ATOMIC MASS

Hydrogen
Tc
Plutonium
85
Lr (262)
114
Californium
Cm
Berkelium
61

Directions: From the table below, write your correct answer

on the blank space.
PART II

ISOTOPE SYMBOL 𝟐𝟓𝟗

𝟏𝟎𝟐𝑵𝒐
𝟐𝟑𝟖
𝟗𝟐𝑼
𝟗𝟗
𝟒𝟑𝑻𝒄

ATOMIC NUMBER 102

MASS NUMBER 238

NUMBER OF 99
PROTONS
NUMBER OF 157
NEUTRONS

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 Let’s Sum It Up
Complete the sentences by using the cues provided. Make sure
Directions that your answer leads to the main idea that each sentence
desired to convey.

• the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the chemical properties of
an element and its place in the periodic table.
• a machine that uses electromagnetic fields to propel charged particles to very high speeds and
energies, and to contain them in well-defined beams.
• called the trans uranium elements.These are man made elements. They are produced
synthetically by the transformation of naturally occurring elements by nuclear reactions

1. Atomic Number
is _
_

2. I can say that elements with atomic numbers greater than 92 (atomic number of
uranium)
is _

3. A particle accelerator
is… _
_

Let’s Assess
Directions: Read each question/statement carefully and select the correct answer from
the given choices. Write your answer on the line provided before the number.

1. Which of the following statements about nuclear fission is ALWAYS correct?

A. All nuclear fission reactions are spontaneous.
B. In fission reactions, a neutron is split into a proton and an electron
C. Nuclear fission is an energetically favorable process for heavy atoms.
D. Very little energy is released in fission processes

2. Which of the following nuclear reaction does NOT belong to the group?
A. Alpha Decay C. Gamma Radiation
B. Beta Decay D. Isotope Bombardment

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 3. Which of the following nuclear reaction buildups a VERY heavy isotope as
beta- decays occur, then march up in atomic number and produce heavy
product?
A. Nuclear Fission C. R-Process
B. Proton-Proton Reaction D. S-Process

4. The atomic number of Re is 75. The atomic mass of one of its isotopes is 186. How
many neutrons are in an atom of this isotope?
A.75 C.186
B.111 D.261

5. When 59Cu undergoes positron emission, what is the immediate nuclear product?
A. 58Cu C. 59Ni
B. 58Ni D. 58Zn

6. Who successfully developed the periodic classification of the elements?

A. Dmitri Mendeleev C. John Newlands
B. Henry Moseley D. Julius Lothar Meyer

7. What will be the new isotope formed when there is an electron capture ("K
capture") by 211At?
A. 210At C. 211Po
B. 212At D. 211Rn

8. Which of the following statements about nuclear reactions is FALSE?

A. No new elements can be produced.
B. Particles within the nucleus are involved.
C. Rate of reaction is independent of temperature.
D. Rate of reaction is independent of the presence of a catalyst

9. Who created the classification of elements based on their atomic weight?

A. Dalton C. Millikan
B. Mendeleev D. Rutherford

10. What does the atomic number of each atom represent and how does it
influence the periodic table?
A. Atomic number is the number of electrons, the atoms are arranged by
the decreasing number of protons
B. Atomic number is the number of neutrons, the atoms are arranged by
the increasing number of protons
C. Atomic number is the number of protons, the atoms are arranged by
the increasing number of protons
D. All of the above

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