Question 46
Radioactivity and Nuclear Physics14N + 4He → 17O + X
In the equation above, the particle X is
- A.a proton.
- B.a neutron.
- C.an α − particle.
- D.a β − particle.
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: A (a proton.)
Explanation
Mass numbers: 14 + 4 = 17 + 1. Atomic numbers: 7 + 2 = 8 + 1. X has mass number 1 and atomic number 1, so it is a proton.