Physical

Science 11
Physical Science – Grade 11
Quarter 3 – Module 3: The Synthesis of New Elements
First Edition, 2020

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 Physical
Science 11
Quarter 3
Self-Learning Module 3
The Synthesis of New Elements
Introductory Message

For the Facilitator:

Welcome to the Physical Science Grade 11 Self-Learning Module 3 on The

Synthesis of New Elements!

This Self-Learning Module was collaboratively designed, developed and

reviewed by educators from the Schools Division Office of Pasig City headed by its
Officer-in-Charge Schools Division Superintendent, Ma. Evalou Concepcion A.
Agustin, in partnership with the City Government of Pasig through its mayor,
Honorable Victor Ma. Regis N. Sotto. The writers utilized the standards set by the K
to 12 Curriculum using the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC) in
developing this instructional resource.

This learning material hopes to engage the learners in guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Further, this also aims to help learners
acquire the needed 21st century skills especially the 5 Cs, namely: Communication,
Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Character while taking into
consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that
will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to
manage their own learning. Moreover, you are expected to encourage and assist the
learners as they do the tasks included in the module.
For the Learner:

Welcome to the Physical Science Grade 11 Self-Learning Module 3 on The

Synthesis of New Elements!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You
will be enabled to process the contents of the learning material while being an active
learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

Expectations - This points to the set of knowledge and skills

that you will learn after completing the module.

Pretest - This measures your prior knowledge about the lesson

at hand.

Recap - This part of the module provides a review of concepts

and skills that you already know about a previous lesson.

Lesson - This section discusses the topic in the module.

Activities - This is a set of activities that you need to perform.

Wrap-Up - This section summarizes the concepts and

application of the lesson.

Valuing - This part integrates a desirable moral value in the

lesson.

Posttest - This measure how much you have learned from the
entire module.
 EXPECTATIONS
After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. explain how the concept of atomic number led to the synthesis of new
elements;
2. analyze the nuclear reactions involved in the synthesis of new elements;
3. appreciate the abundance of natural materials in creating useful elements.

PRETEST

Choose the letter of the best answer and write it on a separate sheet of paper.

1. What form of radiation carries energy without mass and charge?

a. alpha particles c. daughter nucleus

b. beta particles d. gamma particles

2. Which form of radiation has a positive charge?

a. α c. γ
b. β d. δ

3. Which of the following best describes nuclear fusion reaction?

a. the process where two light nuclei combine releasing huge

amounts of energy
b. the splitting of a heavy, unstable nucleus into two lighter nuclei
c. the bombarding of electrons
d. the explosion

4. How many synthetic elements are listed in the periodic table of elements?

a. 18 c. 23
b. 21 d. 24

5. Which among the following has an extensive array of applications especially

in nuclear medicine?

a. lithium c. plutonium
b. meitnerium d. technetium
 RECAP

Our journey on the formation of heavier elements was indeed mind blowing. It
will always remind us that each of us is a star on our own right. After all, we have
within the core of our existence the elements given off by once long dead stars in the
universe.

Now, let us recall the key players on how the elements were laid down on
the periodic table.

Examine the diagram from your left. It illustrates

an atom’s subatomic particles namely:

a. protons+
b. neutrons 0

c. electrons _

How do we determine their quantity in a certain

element? See the example below and flex your
arms thereafter.
Figure 1.

Ex: Carbon 12 Try it!

• 6 protons How about isotope 13 Carbon?

• 6 Neutrons
Atomic number: 6 protons ___________ atomic no._________
Atomic mass: 12 neutrons __________ atomic mass_______

LESSON
The Synthesis of New Elements

In the 18th century, the periodic table once had several gaps reserved for
unknown elements. It was quite a revolutionary concept, as predicted by Professor
Mendeleev, and caught a lot of scientists’ attention. There was a specific gap between
elements 42 and 44 (among others) for about a century. It was only in the 19th
century that the missing link was discovered. The link paved the way for the huge
turnabout in the study of chemical elements. Since then, more synthetic elements
were produced and discovered from the 19th century up until the 20th century.

So how did it happen, how did scientists form elements from laboratories?
First, let us uncover the mystery of the unknown elements which will lead us to the
rest of the story.
The Missing Link: The Holy Grail of Synthetic Elements

Question 1: How are the elements in the periodic table organized in each period?

Despite ancient scientists’ attempts to fill the gap in the “almost modern
periodic table” of Professor Mendeleev, they all failed to solve the element puzzle.
Until a researcher, named Henry Moseley from Rutherford’s laboratory solved the
puzzle of the Mendeleev’s periodic table which was primarily organized according to
the atomic mass.

Figure 2. Synthetic elements arranged in periodic table

Sir Moseley discovered that the properties of the elements vary periodically
with the atomic number, and not with the atomic weight previously accepted under
Mendeleev’s atomic mass principle. With the use of x-ray spectroscopy, he was able
to determine the atomic number of an element. In the process, a beam of electrons
is bombarded causing x-ray spectral lines to come out of the elements. His
quantitative results proved that the frequency of the x-rays given off by an element
is directly related to the position of the element in the periodic table.

Key Factor: Atomic Mass vs. Atomic Number

Question 2: Why is atomic number most favored than atomic mass?

Applying the Moseley Law, elements were organized in an increasing atomic

number, based on the mathematical relationship between atomic number and x-ray
frequency. Equally important, the unique number of every element carries with it the
blueprint of how that element will behave according to its chemical properties. Thus,
a better arrangement of elements vertically and horizontally was then achieved. On
the other hand, the mystery of the missing element was solved, and all the gaps in
the periodic table were finally filled in with the new system of order in the periodic
table which was based on the atomic numbers of the elements - a milestone in
advancing human’s knowledge of matter. Amazingly, with a tweak in the periodic
table, 24 more elements were predicted. And so, another quest was set in.

Mission Possible: The Quest for Unknown Elements

Question 3: Where on earth can these unknown elements be found?

Not long after the periodic table was revised, with 118 total elements now
(element 119 is yet on its way), 24 of these were predicted as we have mentioned
earlier and were given additional slots in the modern periodic table.
 Man’s unending attempts to complete the expanding puzzle posed a big
question on where could these other elements be? Could it be possible to create more
heavy elements that are even heavier than the supernova products and are nowhere
else to find on earth? Remember that it took a supernova for the heavier elements to
come out? It must require a tremendous amount of energy for heavier elements to
further produce a much heavier element. Isn’t it? But looking at how elements were
made from the star’s core and supernova, nuclear scientists have seen a bright light
from it and were able to make what seemed impossible a possible one.

Synthetic Elements: Made by Human

Question 4: Are there practical applications of synthetic elements?

Consider the first lightest element ever synthesized. Remember the gap
between elements 42 and 44? What element filled that gap? Yes,
element 43 named technetium, it was the first artificially
produced lightest element through fission in nuclear reactors. It
was created by bombarding molybdenum atoms with deuterons
that had been accelerated by a cyclotron.
Figure 5. U400 cyclotron in Dubna Russia

A cyclotron is a particle accelerator that boosts ions to very high velocities

through a series of small kicks as the ions travel in a circular motion (or spiral).

Technetium radioisotope is the most used artificial element in a lot of many

medical diagnostic procedures as a radioactive tracer. In nuclear medicine, its radio
pharmaceutical applications can provide images
of the internal parts of the body without
interfering human biochemistry. And with little
required isotope, less radiation is expected after
each procedure. Moreover, it can provide
excellent steel protection due to its remarkable
corrosion inhibitor capacity. These are just few
of the applications, we benefit from synthetic
elements. Not bad, is not it?
https://www.auntminnie.com/user/images/content_images/sup_mol/2013_06_11_17_05_49_101_snmmi_prostate_mip1404_450.jpg

The name technetium came from the Greek word technetos which means
artificial, scientists believed that it indeed existed on earth long time ago. However,
due to its high radioactivity, its isotopes were relatively short-lived so there was a
little chance for them to stay long enough. This somehow provided an explanation
why it could not be found by early chemists despite their rigorous attempts. Now, it
could be produced as fission products of uranium nuclear fuel as grey metal in
powder form.

Moreover, elements that lie beyond uranium are called transuranium

elements. They are unstable and decay radioactively into other elements. So,
Neptunium (Np), with an atomic number of 93, is transuranic among others. It was
the first heavy element synthesized by man. Some heavy elements such as this, are
produced in reactors while others are produced in cyclotron.
 As nuclear physics advanced, several experimental techniques were tried and
conducted to make new chemical and synthetic elements, a milestone first discovered
by Rutherford. He initiated a synthetic method of transforming elements known as
nuclear transmutation. It is a complex nuclear reaction in synthesizing and
transforming one element or isotope into another element. The alterations have to
undergo deep in the atomic nuclei of an atom, similar to how stars did long time ago
but the opposite way.

Currently, when scientists talk about synthesizing or discovering new

elements, they are referring to elements with atomic numbers higher than 118. So,
make way for element 119.

Transmutation: Nuclear Radiation

Question: What happens during nuclear transmutation?

Transmutation of elements is done primarily through the fission process. It is

splitting of atoms, opposite to nuclear fusion in stars. Moreover, emission of radiation
is more apparent in fission since particles tend to be radioactive and further decay.
Thus, atoms may undergo any of the three known radioactive decay processes.

1. Alpha decay- nucleus emits alpha particle (+), with 2 protons and 2 neutrons
2. Beta decay- nucleus emits an electron (-) /beta minus or beta plus (positron)
3. Gamma decay- nucleus emits the highest energy photons, gamma rays (0)

Nuclear Reaction: Nuclear Equation

Question: Is nuclear equation the same as chemical equation?

Transmutation is best illustrated when expressed in nuclear equation to

depict not just the chemical properties of the element but the entire nuclear change
that makes it radioactive. Then, regardless of the type of radioactive decay, both the
atomic mass and number (nucleus charge) are conserved on the left and right side
of the nuclear equation in the entire transmutation process. So, balancing both sides
of the equation like in chemical equation, is necessary. Such law of conservation of
mass and charge allows us to predict the final product or the daughter nucleus with
specific radiation emitted in the entire process.

A. Alpha Decay- emits helium nucleus (α), an alpha+ particle

Mass (A) : 210 = 206 + 4

Charge (Z) : 84 = 82 + 2

Mass of daughter nucleus decreases by __

Charge of daughter nucleus decreases by___

 B. Beta Decay – emits high energy electron (β), either β+ or β- particle

Mass (A): 40 = 40 + 0
Charge (Z):19 = 20 – 1 (electron)

Mass (A): 22= 22 + 0

Charge (Z): 11= 10 +1 (positron)

Mass of daughter nucleus __________________________

Charge of daughter nucleus decreases by ___ if it is beta ____ decay

Charge of daughter nucleus increases by ___ if it is beta ____ decay

C. Gamma Decay – emits the highest electromagnetic radiation (γ), high energy
photons with no charge (moves from excited energy state to lower energy state)

Mass (A): 60= 60 + 0

Charge (Z): 20= 20 +0

Mass of daughter nucleus_____ : Charge of daughter nucleus ___

Try the following if you can arrive with the correct answer. Your periodic table might
come in handy now.

1. Write a balanced nuclear equation when protactinium-229 goes 2 alpha

decays to form francium-221.
2. Complete this nuclear equation and identify the decay process.
 ACTIVITIES

Part I- Transformation- Radiation in One!

Choose the letter of the symbol that represents the type of nuclear radiation

1. beta decay
2. alpha decay
3. gamma decay
4. emits 2 protons and 2 neutrons
5. atomic mass of daughter nucleus does not change
6. atomic mass of daughter nucleus decreases by four
7. no significant change in mass and charge of the nucleus
8. atomic number of the daughter nucleus decreases by two
9. atomic charge of the daughter nucleus may change to + or –
10 nucleus drops from excited energy state to lower energy state

Part II- Track the Decay Series

From the graph below, write down the type of nuclear decay processes of
uranium 238 during its transmutation.

Fig. https://images.flatworldknowledge.com/averillfwk/averillfwk-fig20_005.jpg
Part III- Track the Decay Series
Write down all the nuclear decay processes or the balanced nuclear equations for the
entire transmutation of uranium 238.

WRAP-UP

How much have you synthesized everything in your mind!? Answer the following as
you look back at the things we have talked about today.

1. What is the missing link that led to the completion of the known “almost
perfect” periodic table of elements? How did it lead to the discovery of synthetic
elements?
2. How do scientists forge the synthesis of elements?
3. What happens during the synthesis of new elements?

VALUING

Our world is a vast reservoir of material elements that are indispensable in

sustaining life here on earth. Some were discovered in the hope of addressing man’s
quest for a better life. These elements were carefully listed down in what we call
periodic table of elements.

Last year 2019, our modern periodic table celebrated its 150 th birthday and
was also declared as the International Year of the Periodic Table by the United
Nations. Such a great journey creating an inventory list of universe’s fragments into
a systematic compilation that includes the new synthetic elements like the following:

1. Californium, Cf-252 is used to treat some cervical and brain cancers.

2. Different isotopes of technetium are used in hospital around the world.
Technetium-99m has a lot of uses for medical purposes such as imaging the
skeleton and heart muscle, and for thyroid, brain, lungs liver, spleen, kidney
gall bladder, bone marrow, salivary and lacrimal glands, heart blood pool,
infection, and many specialized medical studies. Technetium-99m is used in
diagnostic imaging as a radioactive tracer that can be detected in the body by
medical equipment, such as gamma cameras.
3. Uranium is used in nuclear power plant for generating clean energy. While
other fuels, such as plutonium and thorium, are also being considered useful.

These are only some of the useful synthetic elements. Can you name a few
that have proven their roles in our times today?
 POSTTEST

Choose the letter of the best answer. Make sure to read each statement carefully.

1. What is used as basis for the better arrangement of elements in the periodic
table and the key to the discovery of synthetic elements?

a. atomic mass c. atomic neutron

b. atomic bomb d. atomic number

2. What type of reaction occurs when a heavy nucleus such as U-235 splits into
two or more parts?

a. fission c. synthesis
b. fusion d. chain reaction

3. . How many beta particles are released when 19782 Pb transmutes to 197 79 Au?

a. 3 c. 10
b. 4 d. 12

12Mg+ 0n ⟶ 11Na +
23
4. . What is the missing in this nuclear equation? 24 1
___
0
a. −1e c. 11H
0
b. +1e d. 21H

5. Which of the following best describes a cyclotron used in producing element

technetium?

a. It’s a device use to circulate electrons

b. It’s a device use to speed up the protons
c. It’s a device use to speed up the reaction
d. It’s a device use to accelerate particles that move in spiral path
 KEY TO CORRECTION

atomic mass 13 14. alpha

13. beta
atomic no. 6 12. beta
11. alpha
neutrons 7 10. beta c 10.
9. beta b 9.
protons 6 8. alpha a 8.
7. alpha c 7.
RECAP: 6. alpha a 6.
5. alpha b 5.
4. alpha a 4.
D 5. 3. beta c 3.
D 4. 2. beta a 2. 5. B
D 3. 1. Alpha b 1. 4. D
D 2. 3. A
A 1. Part II Part I 2. A
1. D
PRETEST: ACTIVITIES: POSTEST:

References

Calam, Chris. 2016. thermo fisher scientific https://www.thermofisher.com/blog/metals/introducingnihonium-moscovium-

tennessine-and-oganesson-2/.

Gibbs, Keith. 2020. nuclear fusion and nuclear fission. schoolphysics.

https://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/. 2003. Imagine the universe. NASA/GSFC/USRA :

https://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/educators/elements/imagine/Cosmic.pdf.

Karol, Paul J. 2016. Discovery of the elements. Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213,
USA: http://www.jinr.ru/posts/discovery-of-the-new-chemical-elements-with-numbers-113-115-117-and-118-2/.

Published by the Commission on Higher Education, 2016. n.d.

sharp, Tim. 2016. Facts About Nihonium (Element 113). New york: https://www.livescience.com/41416-facts-about-
ununtrium.html.

William R. Robinson, PhD. 2012. nuclear equation. University of North Carolina – Pembroke:
https://opentextbc.ca/chemistry/.

Zamor, Warlito. 2017. The Formation of Heavier Elements during Star Formation and Evolution. Philippines: N/A.