Chapter 20.1, Problem 2CP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The unknown atom, X, in the given nuclear reaction is to be identified.

Concept Introduction:

In a balanced radioactive decay:

${\displaystyle \sum \text{Reactant mass number = }{\displaystyle \sum \text{Product mass number}}}$

And

${\displaystyle \sum \text{Reactant atomic number = }{\displaystyle \sum \text{Product atomic number}}}$

In abalanced radioactive decay, the subscript on the individual particles represents the atomic number, while the superscript represents the atomic mass.