Use the equation to complete the activity.

Question

219 86Rn→215 84Po+α
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.

Answer 1

The reaction is not balanced because the sum of the atomic numbers and mass numbers on both sides of the equation are not equal, indicating a violation of the law of conservation of mass and charge.