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phyzmatix
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Homework Statement
[tex]\mbox{What is the atomic number Z, the atomic mass number A, and the element X in the reaction} \ _{5}^{10}B(\alpha,p)_{Z}^{A}X[/tex]
Homework Equations
If my understanding of the question is correct, then we are dealing with alpha decay and beta-plus decay.
The Attempt at a Solution
I can't find an example of this notation for the reaction in my textbook, so I assumed that it meant:
[tex]_{5}^{10}B \ \mbox{undergoes alpha decay and the resultant product undergoes beta-plus decay to form} \ _{Z}^{A}X[/tex]
And got the following:
[tex]_{5}^{10}B \ \mbox{undergoes alpha decay}[/tex]
[tex]_{5}^{10}B \rightarrow _{3}^{8}Li + ^{4}He[/tex]
[tex]\mbox{and} \ _{3}^{8}Li \ \mbox{undergoes beta-plus decay}[/tex]
[tex]p \rightarrow n + e^+ + v[/tex]
[tex]\mbox{So,} \ _{3}^{8}Li \ \mbox{transforms as follows}[/tex]
[tex]_{3}^{8}Li \rightarrow _{2}^{8}He + e^+ + v[/tex]
[tex]\mbox{Finally,} \ A = 8, Z = 2, X = He.[/tex]
Please tell me if my interpretation of the notation (and subsequently my reasoning) is indeed correct.
Thanks
phyz