During helium burning, some ⁴He combines with ¹⁶O, similar the way in which it combines with ¹²C to form ¹⁶O. What is produced by the ¹⁶O + ⁴He reaction? (The periodic table shown in Box 5-5 of Universe, 11th ed., may be useful.) A)²²Na (light isotope of sodium) B)²⁰Ne (regular isotope of neon) C)¹⁸O (heavy isotope of oxygen) D)²⁴Mg (regular isotope of magnesium)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The combination of ¹⁶O and ⁴He produces ²⁰Ne. This can be determined by adding the atomic numbers of the two starting elements (8 for oxygen and 2 for helium) and subtracting 2 (since the helium nucleus has 2 protons). This gives an atomic number of 8+2-2=8, which corresponds to neon on the periodic table. Therefore, the answer is B.

During Helium Burning, Some 4He Combines with 16O, Similar the Way

During Helium Burning, Some ⁴He Combines with ¹⁶O, Similar the Way