Question
Which represents a balanced nuclear equation? (}_{11)^23Naarrow _(12)^24Mg+_(1)^1H (}_{11)^24Naarrow _(12)^24Mg+_(-1)^0e (}_{13)^24Alarrow _(12)^24Mg+_(-1)^0e (}_{12)^23Mgarrow _(12)^24Mg+_(0)^1n
Answer
4.4
(283 Votes)
Marnie
Elite · Tutor for 8 years
Answer
2.
3.
4.
Explanation
## Step 1In this problem, we are given four potential nuclear equations and we need to identify which one is balanced. The principle of conservation of atomic numbers and mass numbers in nuclear reactions is that both the atomic numbers and mass numbers must be the same on both sides of the equation. ## Step 2In the first equation, we have the conversion of Sodium-23 to Magnesium-24 and Hydrogen-1. If we check the conservation of atomic numbers: the sum on the left side is 11, whereas the sum on the right side is 12 (mass numbers - 23 vs 25); hence it's not balanced. ## Step 3In the second equation, we have the transformation of Sodium-24 to Magnesium-24 and an electron (beta decay). When it comes to conservation: mass numbers are conserved (both 24) and atomic numbers also balance, the sum on both sides is 11; thus it's balanced. ## Step 4For the third equation, there's a conversion of Aluminum-24 to Magnesium-24 and an electron (beta decay). Concerning balances (mass numbers are the same at 24); for the atomic numbers, they also balance since the sum on both sides equal to 13. Thus it is also balanced.## Step 5Coming to the last equation, Magnesium-23 changes into a Neutron-1 and Magnesium-24. Here both mass numbers (24 on both sides) and atomic numbers are conserved (sum on both sides equals 12); hence it is also balanced.