Completing Nuclear Reactions: Balancing Charges and Nucleons

[phys62]

Homework Statement

Complete the following nuclear reactions, assuming that the unknown quantity signified by a question mark is a single entry. Use the following table for your answers: 0 = gamma, 1 = p, 2 = alpha , 3 = n.

(a) 20X43(alpha,?)21X46

(b) 4X9(?,n)6X12

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

a) A=46 + 4 - 43 = 7 Z = 21 + 2 - 20 = 3
b) A=12 + 1 - 9 = 4 Z = 6 + 0 - 4 = 2

I have NO idea if I'm doing this correct at all.. I'm really just confused about these types of problems, I need some help.. :[

 

[Chewy0087]

Hmm the way you've layed this out is quite confusing, are you referring to periodic table style;

20
x
43

sort of layout? With 20 being the number of protons & 43 being the number of nucleons?

Maybe similar to this? http://education.jlab.org/glossary/alphadecay.gif

 

[Astronuc]

One has to balance the charge (Z, number of protons) and total number of nucleons A, where A = Z + N, and N = number of neutrons.

Remember that the alpha particle is ₂He⁴, i.e. 2 protons and a mass of 4 (2 protons + 2 neutrons).


This (20X43(alpha,?)21X46) =/= (A=46 + 4 - 43 = 7 Z = 21 + 2 - 20 = 3).

Instead try ₂₀X⁴³ + alpha = ? + ₂₁X⁴⁶, => Z: 20 + 2 = ? + 21, A: ___________