Chapter 30, Problem 58A

To determine

To Explain:

The two quantities that should be conserved in any nuclear equation.

Answer to Problem 58A

The two quantities that need to be conserved in a nuclear reaction is atomic number and atomic mass number.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

In any nuclear equation the atomic number and atomic mass number should be conserved. The nuclear reaction is balanced when the atomic mass number atomic number and the atomic number of all the particles of an element on the other side of the arrow should be equal.

A nuclear equation is balanced when the sum of mass number and the sum of atomic number of an atom on the other side of the arrow are equal. The nuclear reaction follows the law of conservation.

The sum of the reactant’s mass number is equal to the sum of the mass number of the products of the elements.

The sum of charges of the reactants is equal to the sum of charge of the products.

Conclusion:

Hence, atomic number and atomic mass number are the two quantities that need to be conserved in a nuclear reaction.