The nuclear equation is balanced because the total number of protons and neutrons on both sides is equal. On the left side, radon (Rn) has 86 protons and 133 neutrons (219 - 86), while on the right side, polonium (Po) has 84 protons and 131 neutrons (215 - 84), with the alpha particle contributing 2 protons and 2 neutrons; hence, both sides have 86 protons and 133 neutrons.
Use the equation to complete the activity.
219 86Rn→215 84Po+42He
The nuclear equation shows the transmutation of a form of radon into polonium and an alpha particle. In one to two sentences, explain whether or not the reaction is balanced based on the number of protons and neutrons.
1 answer