A N-14 nucleus is hit by a particle, forming a C-14 nucleus and a proton as the only products. Identify the type of particle which struck the N-14 nucleus.
A)Alpha
B)Proton
C)Electron
D)Neutron
E)Deuterium

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The particle that struck the N-14 nucleus must be a neutron. When a neutron hits an N-14 nucleus, it can be absorbed into the nucleus, converting it into a C-14 nucleus while emitting a proton. This process conserves the number of nucleons but changes the element by increasing the number of protons by one.

A N-14 Nucleus Is Hit by a Particle, Forming a C-14