The nuclear equation shows the transmutation of a form of radon into polonium and an alpha particle. Which one of the following is true? (1 point) Responses The equation is balanced because the alpha particle has one proton and two neutrons The equation is balanced because the alpha particle has one proton and two neutrons This equation is balanced because the alpha particle has two protons and two neutrons This equation is balanced because the alpha particle has two protons and two neutrons The equation is NOT balanced because the alpha particle contains two protons and two neutrons The equation is NOT balanced because the alpha particle contains two protons and two neutrons The equation is NOT balanced because it needs an additional beta particle on the product side. The equation is NOT balanced because it needs an additional beta particle on the product side. Question 2 The nuclear equation also shows the transmutation of a form of radon into polonium and an alpha particle. Which one of the following statements is TRUE? (1 point) Responses On the reactant AND the products side, the number of protons is 2 + 84 = 86. The number of protons and neutrons is 215 + 2 + 2 = 219 so the equation is balanced On the reactant AND the products side, the number of protons is 2 + 84 = 86. The number of protons and neutrons is 215 + 2 + 2 = 219 so the equation is balanced On the products side, the number of protons is 84 = 86 but on the reactant side, the number is only 84 with no other protons in the products, so it is NOT balanced. On the products side, the number of protons is 84 = 86 but on the reactant side, the number is only 84 with no other protons in the products, so it is NOT balanced. On the reactant side the total number of protons + neutrons is 219 and on the reactant side the total number of neutrons present in the products is 215 so it is NOT balanced. On the reactant side the total number of protons + neutrons is 219 and on the reactant side the total number of neutrons present in the products is 215 so it is NOT balanced. If the alpha particle were a beta particle instead, this equation would be balanced. If the alpha particle were a beta particle instead, this equation would be balanced. Skip to navigation

Answer 1

To address the questions, let's first clarify the details of the nuclear equation you are referring to. It involves the transmutation of a radon isotope into polonium and an alpha particle.

Response to Question 1:

1. Understanding the alpha particle: An alpha particle consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
2. Balanced nuclear equation: For a nuclear equation to be balanced, the total number of protons and neutrons on the reactant side must equal the total on the product side.

Based on this information, the correct answer is:

• The equation is balanced because the alpha particle has two protons and two neutrons.

Response to Question 2:

1. Calculating protons and neutrons:

   • Let’s denote the radon isotope as Rn with atomic number Z_Rn (which is 86 for the common isotope) and mass number A_Rn.
   • For example, let’s assume the reaction you described is Rn → Po (polonium) + alpha particle.
   • The polonium isotope would have a lower atomic number (Z_Po) than radon, specifically Z_Po = 84 if it’s Polonium-210 (common isotope).
   • The mass number A_Po can be determined by subtracting the mass of the alpha particle (which has a mass of 4, from 2 protons and 2 neutrons) from the radon mass.

2. Evaluating the totals:

   • If the reactant side has a total proton number of 86 (from Rn) and assuming the alpha particle contributes 2 protons, then on the product side, Po has 84 protons and the alpha particle contributes the 2 protons, which balances the total protons.
   • Total of neutrons on reactants side consisting of A_Rn - Z_Rn must also equal the sum of the neutrons on the product side, which, as calculated would also balance out based on the same total mass considerations.

Using the interpretations, the correct truthful response among the given statements about the balance of the nuclear equation is:

• The number of protons is 84 on the product side equal to that of the reactant side with a total of 86, hence it is NOT balanced.

This assessment assumes an accurate depiction of the question, so you might need to adjust numbers or specifics based on the exact details of radon decay seen in textbooks or resources.

If you need more specific clarifications or details on any particular part or if the data were provided differently, please feel free to share!