Question

Identify the missing coefficient in the following equation:

3

2

1

0

Answer 1

2

Step-by-step explanation:

In balancing nuclear reactions the mass number and atomic numbers are usually conserved. This implies that from the given equation, the sum of the number of the subscript on the right hand side must be equal to that on the left hand side. This also applies to the superscript:

For the mass numbers(superscript):

235 + 1 = 1 + 139 + 95

236 = 235

This is not balanced

For the atomic number:

92 + 0 = 0 + 53 + 39

92 = 92

This is balanced.

We simply inspect to see how to balance the mass number.

By putting a coefficient of 2 behind the neutron atom, the equation becomes balanced.