Chapter 24, Problem 2STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The nuclear reaction which is carry out in Van De Graaf generators to generate neutrons is to be balanced.

Concept introduction:

Balancing is the process in which sum of mass number and sum of atomic number on reactants side is equal to the sum of mass number and sum of atomic number on product side.

Answer to Problem 2STP

Correct answer:

Option A. ${}_{\text{4}}^{\text{9}}\text{Be}\text{+}{}_{\text{1}}^{\text{2}}\text{H}\to {}_{\text{5}}^{\text{10}}\text{Be}\text{+}{}_{\text{0}}^{\text{1}}\text{n}$

Explanation of Solution

Reason for correct option:

Balancing is the process in which sum of mass number and sum of atomic number on reactants side is equal to the sum of mass number and sum of atomic number on product side.

On the left side sum of the mass number and sum of the atomic number is equal to the sum of mass number and the sum of atomic number on product side.

The neutron is represented by ${}_{\text{0}}^{\text{1}}\text{n}$ which means that mass number is 1 and atomic number is zero.

So, option A is correct because in this option mass number and atomic number are conserved.

Conclusion

Reasons for incorrect options:

B. Mass number is not conserved.

C. Deuteron is not present on reactant side.

D. Mass number is not conserved.