Question 49
Radioactivity and Nuclear Physics2311Na + X → 209F + 42He
What particle is X in the reaction above?
- A.Beta
- B.Gamma
- C.Alpha
- D.Neutron
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: D (Neutron)
Explanation
Mass numbers: 23 + A = 20 + 4 gives A = 1. Atomic numbers: 11 + Z = 9 + 2 gives Z = 0. A particle with mass 1 and charge 0 is a neutron.