It's really quite simple to balance them. First, because the computer doesn't write subscripts and superscripts as we wish, this is my format. The first number is the atomic number. That is followed by the symbol of the element and that is followed by the mass number. 27Co60 is Co, atomic mass 27 and mass number 60. The secret to these equations is to make the atomic numbers balance on both sides and to make the mass numbers balance on both sides. The alpha particle is 2He4.
96Cm243 ==> 2He4 + yXz
So 96 = 2+y; therefore, y must be 94
Element #94 = Pu
243 = 4+z; therefore, z must be 239 and the full equation is
96Cm243 = 2He4 + 94Pu239
I am having trouble understanding what the concept is for writing these out. Write a balanced nuclear equation for the alpha decay of each of the following radioactive isotopes: curium-243, 22589Ac
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