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JAMB Physics 1999 Question 44

Question 44

Radioactivity and Nuclear Physics

2311Na + Proton → pqX + alpha particle. What are the values of p and q respectively in the equation above?

  1. A.10 and 20
  2. B.12 and 24
  3. C.20 and 10
  4. D.24 and 12
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (20 and 10)

Explanation

Mass numbers balance: 23 + 1 = p + 4, so p = 20. Atomic numbers balance: 11 + 1 = q + 2, so q = 10.