Chapter 20.1, Problem 1PPB

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The unknown X atom in the given nuclear reactions are to be identified.

Concept introduction:

In a balanced radioactive decay,

${\displaystyle \sum \text{Reactant mass number =}{\displaystyle \sum \text{Product mass number}}}$

And

${\displaystyle \sum \text{Reactant atomic number =}{\displaystyle \sum \text{Product atomic number}}}$

In the balanced radioactive decay, the subscript present on the individual particles represents the atomic number while the superscript represents the atomic mass.