Question

Fill in the nuclear equation:

I don’t understand how to do it when there’s two elements on both sides.

Answer 1

Answer:

¹₀P

Explanation:

 Nuclear reaction:

                ⁹₄Be  + ⁴₂He  → ¹²₆C + ?

To balance this equation, as with other combining specie, the mass number on both sides of the expression must be the same. Also, the atomic number must be the same.

   Let us represent the unknown by X;

          ⁹₄Be  + ⁴₂He  → ¹²₆C + ᵇₐX

 Now;

  Sum of mass number;

            9 + 4 = 12 + b

               13 = 12 + b

                    b = 1

   Sum of atomic number;

             4 + 2  = 6 + a

               a = 0

So the specie is a position ¹₀P