Identify the missing particle in the following nuclear equation: Al + __________ $\to$ Na +$\alpha$
A) n
B) n
C) e
D) e
E)2 n

Question

Identify the missing particle in the following nuclear equation:  Al + __________ $\to$ Na +$\alpha$
A) n 
B) n 
C) e 
D) e 
E)2 n

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The missing particle is a neutron (n) in option A. This is determined by balancing the atomic and mass numbers on both sides of the equation. On the left side, the atomic number is 11 (the subscript in the element symbol), so it must also be 11 on the right side. This means the missing particle must have an atomic number of 0 (since 11 + 0 = 11). On the left side, the mass number is 23 (the sum of the atomic and neutron numbers), and on the right side it is 24 (11+13). This means the missing particle must have a mass number of 1 (since 23 + 1 = 24), which can only be a neutron.

Identify the Missing Particle in the Following Nuclear Equation →\to→ Na

Identify the Missing Particle in the Following Nuclear Equation $\to$ Na