Illustrate and describe the reaction that occurs when plutonium - 239 is bombarded by a certain particle to form Curium - 242 and a neutron.
When plutonium-239 is bombarded by a neutron, it undergoes a nuclear reaction known as neutron capture. During this process, the plutonium-239 nucleus captures the neutron, forming an unstable compound nucleus. This compound nucleus then undergoes a process of beta decay, where it emits an electron (beta particle) and an anti-neutrino, transforming into curium-242.
The reaction can be represented by the following nuclear equation:
Pu-239 + n -> Cm-242 + n
In this reaction, the neutron is absorbed by the plutonium-239 nucleus, causing it to become excited and transform into curium-242, while also releasing a neutron. This reaction is part of the process of nuclear fission, which is used in nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons.