Complete and balance the following nuclear equations by supplying the missing particle: (a) 147N + 42He¡? + 11H

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the type of nuclear reaction. In this case, it is a nuclear transmutation involving nitrogen (N) and helium (He), which is a common example of alpha particle bombardment.

Write down the known particles with their atomic numbers and mass numbers. For nitrogen-14, it is represented as \(^{14}_{7}\text{N}\) and for helium-4 (alpha particle), it is \(^{4}_{2}\text{He}\).

Apply the conservation of mass and charge to the reaction. The sum of the mass numbers (top numbers) on the left side must equal the sum on the right side. Similarly, the sum of the atomic numbers (bottom numbers) on the left must equal the sum on the right.

Set up the equation with the known values and use 'X' for the unknown particle: \(^{14}_{7}\text{N} + ^{4}_{2}\text{He} \rightarrow ^{A}_{Z}\text{X} + ^{1}_{1}\text{H}\). Here, A and Z represent the mass number and atomic number of the unknown particle, respectively.

Solve for A and Z by adding the mass numbers and atomic numbers respectively from the reactants and equating them to the sum from the products. This will help you identify the unknown particle X.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.

Video duration:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Nuclear Reactions

Nuclear reactions involve changes in an atom's nucleus and can result in the transformation of one element into another. They are characterized by the conservation of mass and energy, as well as the conservation of nucleon number (the total number of protons and neutrons). Understanding how to balance nuclear equations is essential for identifying the products and reactants involved in these reactions.

Balancing Nuclear Equations

Balancing nuclear equations requires ensuring that both the atomic numbers and mass numbers are conserved. This means that the sum of the atomic numbers (protons) and the sum of the mass numbers (protons + neutrons) on the reactant side must equal those on the product side. Identifying the missing particle often involves calculating the difference in these numbers to find the appropriate particle that balances the equation.

Types of Particles in Nuclear Reactions

In nuclear reactions, various particles can be involved, including alpha particles (α, 42He), beta particles, and protons (p, 11H). Each particle has specific properties, such as charge and mass, which influence the outcome of the reaction. Recognizing these particles and their roles is crucial for correctly completing and balancing nuclear equations.

Recommended video:

Guided course

05:19

Subatomic Particles

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Complete and balance the following nuclear equations by supplying the missing particle: (b) ²₁H + ³₂He → ⁴₂He + ?

views

Textbook Question

Complete and balance the following nuclear equations by supplying the missing particle: (d) ¹²²₅₃I → ¹²²₅₄Xe + ?

Textbook Question

Complete and balance the following nuclear equations by supplying the missing particle: (e) ⁵⁹₂₆Fe → ⁰_-1e + ?

Textbook Question

Complete and balance the following nuclear equations by supplying the missing particle: (d) 5826Fe + 2 10n¡6027Co + ?

Textbook Question

Complete and balance the following nuclear equations by supplying the missing particle: (e) 23592U + 10n¡13554Xe + 2 10n + ?