Why do alpha particles cause neutrons to be released from beryllium?

[Tamoor]

First of this is not an homework question but just a bit of a theory i am having a bit of difficulty understanding. Secundly, hello!

James Chadwick discovered neutrons by sending alpha-particles from a radioactive source to a beryllium-plate, and that plate then sent out neutrons.

I don't understand, how sending alpha-particles can make the beryllium-plate (or any object) send out neutrons.

So if anyone would be so helpful as to tell me why this happens, i will be grateful

 

[mgb_phys]

An alpha particle (2n 2p) hitting Berylium (5n 4p) gives you carbon (6n 6p) and a spare neutron.

There's a movie of it here http://www-outreach.phy.cam.ac.uk/camphy/neutron/neutron5_1.htm

 

[sir-pinski]

.


Hello! It's great that you are seeking to understand this concept better. Let's break it down step by step.

Firstly, let's define what alpha particles and neutrons are. Alpha particles are positively charged particles that are emitted from radioactive materials. They are made up of two protons and two neutrons, and have a relatively large mass compared to other particles. Neutrons, on the other hand, are neutral particles found in the nucleus of an atom, along with protons.

Now, when alpha particles are sent towards a beryllium plate, they collide with the atoms in the plate. This collision causes some of the beryllium atoms to become unstable and split into two smaller atoms, releasing energy in the process. This process is known as nuclear fission.

But why do neutrons get released in this process? This is because beryllium is a relatively light element, and when it undergoes fission, it releases excess energy in the form of neutrons. These neutrons can then go on to collide with other atoms, causing a chain reaction and releasing even more neutrons.

This chain reaction is what makes beryllium a useful material in nuclear reactors, as it can sustain a controlled release of neutrons, which in turn can be used to generate energy.

I hope this explanation helps you understand why alpha particles cause neutrons to be released from beryllium. Keep asking questions and seeking to understand, it's the best way to learn!