The isotope 18F is a radionuclide used in medical diagnoses oftumors. It is typically produced by bombarding water with protons and driving an18O(p,n)18F reaction. (Dr. Mike Doster in the NE department has worked quite a bit on systemsthat are used for 18F production). 18F can also be produced by irradiating Li2CO3with neutrons. The neutrons interact with 6Li to produce 3H that in turn interact withthe oxygen to produce 18F.
a) What are the two nuclear reactions?
b) What are the Q values for each reaction?
c) What is the threshold energy for each reaction?
d) Can thermal neutrons by used to create 18F using the methoddescribed?
Hint: the second reaction is like a "combination shot" inbilliards... you need to make sure that the particles from the first reaction have enough energyto drive the second reaction.