The alpha symbol "a" represents an alpha particle, which is a helium nucleus consisting of two protons and two neutrons. In this equation, an alpha particle is emitted from the nucleus of the radium atom, leading to the formation of radon.
This reaction is not balanced because the total mass number on the left side (223) is not equal to the total mass number on the right side (219 + 4 = 223). Additionally, the total atomic number on the left side (88) is not equal to the total atomic number on the right side (86 + 2 = 88).
To balance the equation, we can adjust the numbers of radon and alpha particles on the right side to match the numbers of protons and neutrons on the left side:
223/88Ra → 219/86Rn + 4/2He
Now, the mass number is balanced (223 = 219 + 4) and the atomic number is balanced (88 = 86 + 2), making the reaction balanced.
223/88Ra->219/86Rn+a
The nuclear equation shows the transmutation of a form of radium into radon. What does the alpha symbol a represent in this equation?
Is this reaction balanced why or why not
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