Nuclear reactions involve a change in the nucleus of an atom. For this reason, n
ID: 557870 • Letter: N
Question
Nuclear reactions involve a change in the nucleus of an atom. For this reason, nuclear equations show the mass number and atomic number of each species. Nuclear equations must be balanced in both mass number (mass balance) and atomic number (charge balance). For example, consider the equation for the decay of carbon-14:
14 6C14 7N+ 01e
To complete a nuclear equation, follow the steps below.(Figure 1)
Part A
Write the identity of the missing nucleus for the following nuclear decay reaction:
232 90Th228 88Ra+?
Express your answer as a particle.
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Part B
Write the identity of the missing nucleus for the following nuclear decay reaction:
224 88Ra42He+?
Express your answer as an isotope.
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Part C
Write the identity of the missing nucleus for the following nuclear decay reaction:
?5927Co+ 01e
Express your answer as an isotope.
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Explanation / Answer
Sum atomic number at reactants side = sum of atomic number at product side
Sum of mass number at reactants side = sum of mass number at products side
(A)
23290Th ---------> 22888Ra + 42He
(B)
22488Ra ----------> 42He + 22086Rn
(C)
5926Fe------------> 5927Co + 0-1e
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