Question 50
Radioactivity and Nuclear Physics2713Al + 10n → 2411Na + X
In the nuclear reaction above, the product denoted by X is
- A.a proton
- B.a gamma ray
- C.a helium particle
- D.an alpha particle.
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: D (an alpha particle.)
Explanation
Mass numbers: 27 + 1 = 24 + 4; atomic numbers: 13 + 0 = 11 + 2. X has A = 4 and Z = 2, which is an alpha particle (42He).