Consider The Nuclear Equation Below.$\[ {}_{11}^{22} \text{Na} \longrightarrow {}_{10}^{22} \text{Ne} + {}_?^0 \beta \\]Which Is The Missing Value That Will Balance The Equation?A. \[$-1\$\]B. 0C. \[$+1\$\]D. \[$+2\$\]

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Understanding Nuclear Equations

Nuclear equations are a fundamental concept in chemistry, describing the changes that occur within the nucleus of an atom. These equations involve the transformation of one element into another, often resulting in the emission or absorption of radiation. In this article, we will focus on balancing nuclear equations, a crucial aspect of nuclear chemistry.

The Given Equation

Consider the nuclear equation below:

1122Na⟶1022Ne+?0β{ {}_{11}^{22} \text{Na} \longrightarrow {}_{10}^{22} \text{Ne} + {}_?^0 \beta }

This equation represents the radioactive decay of sodium-22 (Na-22) into neon-22 (Ne-22) and a beta particle (β). The task is to determine the missing value that will balance the equation.

Balancing Nuclear Equations

To balance a nuclear equation, we must ensure that the number of protons (atomic number) and neutrons (mass number) are conserved on both sides of the equation. Let's break down the given equation:

  • The atomic number of sodium (Na) is 11, and the mass number is 22.
  • The atomic number of neon (Ne) is 10, and the mass number is 22.
  • The beta particle (β) has a mass number of 0 and an atomic number of -1 (since it is an electron).

To balance the equation, we need to find the missing value that will make the atomic numbers and mass numbers equal on both sides.

Calculating the Missing Value

Let's calculate the missing value:

  • The atomic number of the unknown particle is the difference between the atomic number of sodium and the atomic number of neon: 11 - 10 = 1.
  • The mass number of the unknown particle is the difference between the mass number of sodium and the mass number of neon: 22 - 22 = 0.

However, we also need to consider the beta particle, which has a mass number of 0 and an atomic number of -1. To balance the equation, the unknown particle must have an atomic number of +1 and a mass number of 0.

The Correct Answer

Based on our calculations, the missing value that will balance the equation is:

+10{ {}_+1^0 }

This corresponds to option C: +1{+1}.

Conclusion

Balancing nuclear equations requires a thorough understanding of atomic numbers and mass numbers. By carefully analyzing the given equation and calculating the missing value, we can determine the correct answer. In this case, the missing value is +1, which corresponds to option C.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the purpose of balancing nuclear equations? Balancing nuclear equations ensures that the number of protons and neutrons are conserved on both sides of the equation, making it a crucial aspect of nuclear chemistry.
  • How do I balance a nuclear equation? To balance a nuclear equation, you need to ensure that the atomic numbers and mass numbers are equal on both sides of the equation. This can be done by calculating the missing value and adjusting the equation accordingly.
  • What is the significance of beta particles in nuclear equations? Beta particles are emitted during certain types of radioactive decay, and their presence can affect the balance of the equation.
    Frequently Asked Questions: Balancing Nuclear Equations =====================================================

Q: What is the purpose of balancing nuclear equations?

A: Balancing nuclear equations ensures that the number of protons and neutrons are conserved on both sides of the equation, making it a crucial aspect of nuclear chemistry.

Q: How do I balance a nuclear equation?

A: To balance a nuclear equation, you need to ensure that the atomic numbers and mass numbers are equal on both sides of the equation. This can be done by calculating the missing value and adjusting the equation accordingly.

Q: What is the significance of beta particles in nuclear equations?

A: Beta particles are emitted during certain types of radioactive decay, and their presence can affect the balance of the equation. They have a mass number of 0 and an atomic number of -1 (since they are electrons).

Q: How do I determine the missing value in a nuclear equation?

A: To determine the missing value, you need to calculate the difference between the atomic numbers and mass numbers on both sides of the equation. This will give you the atomic number and mass number of the unknown particle.

Q: What is the difference between atomic number and mass number?

A: The atomic number is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus, while the mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

Q: Can you provide an example of balancing a nuclear equation?

A: Consider the following equation:

1224Mg⟶1124Na+?0β{ {}_{12}^{24} \text{Mg} \longrightarrow {}_{11}^{24} \text{Na} + {}_?^0 \beta }

To balance this equation, we need to calculate the missing value:

  • The atomic number of magnesium (Mg) is 12, and the mass number is 24.
  • The atomic number of sodium (Na) is 11, and the mass number is 24.
  • The beta particle (β) has a mass number of 0 and an atomic number of -1.

The missing value is the difference between the atomic number of magnesium and the atomic number of sodium: 12 - 11 = 1.

Therefore, the balanced equation is:

1224Mg⟶1124Na++10β{ {}_{12}^{24} \text{Mg} \longrightarrow {}_{11}^{24} \text{Na} + {}_+1^0 \beta }

Q: What are some common types of radioactive decay?

A: There are several types of radioactive decay, including:

  • Alpha decay: The emission of an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons) from the nucleus.
  • Beta decay: The emission of a beta particle (an electron) from the nucleus.
  • Gamma decay: The emission of a gamma ray (high-energy photon) from the nucleus.

Q: How do I know which type of radioactive decay is occurring?

A: To determine the type of radioactive decay, you need to examine the changes in the atomic number and mass number of the nucleus. For example, if the atomic number increases by 1 and the mass number remains the same, it is likely beta decay. If the atomic number decreases by 2 and the mass number decreases by 4, it is likely alpha decay.

Q: What are some real-world applications of balancing nuclear equations?

A: Balancing nuclear equations has several real-world applications, including:

  • Nuclear power generation: Balancing nuclear equations is crucial for understanding the nuclear reactions that occur in nuclear power plants.
  • Nuclear medicine: Balancing nuclear equations is essential for developing new medical treatments that involve radioactive isotopes.
  • Radiation detection: Balancing nuclear equations is necessary for understanding the radiation patterns emitted by radioactive materials.

Conclusion

Balancing nuclear equations is a fundamental concept in nuclear chemistry, and it has several real-world applications. By understanding how to balance nuclear equations, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex processes that occur within the nucleus of an atom.