Chapter 19, Problem 19A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The equation when beryllium is bombarded with alpha particles needs to be determined.

Concept Introduction: Nuclear reactions can be expressed similarly to that of chemical equations. The transformations of particles follow certain conservation laws. In balance a nuclear equation, the atomic numbers and mass number of all species on either side of the arrow must be equal.

Answer to Problem 19A

The balanced nuclear equation is ${}_{\text{ 4}}^{\text{ 9}}{\text{Be+ }}_{\text{2}}^{\text{4}}\text{He}\to {}_{\text{6}}^{\text{12}}\text{C }+{}_0^{\text{1}}n$

Explanation of Solution

The mass number and proton number of the alpha particle are 4 and 2 respectively. Neutron does not have any charge.

The total atomic number on the right side of the equation is $=6+0=6$

The total atomic number on the left side of the equation is $=4+2=6$

The total mass number on the right side of the equation is $=12+1=13$

The total mass number on the left side of the equation is $=9+4=13$

So, both atomic numbers and mass number are perfectly balanced in the nuclear equation.

Conclusion

The balanced nuclear equation is ${}_{\text{ 4}}^{\text{ 9}}{\text{Be+ }}_{\text{2}}^{\text{4}}\text{He}\to {}_{\text{6}}^{\text{12}}\text{C }+{}_0^{\text{1}}n$