Final answer:
To balance the nuclear reaction, you need to ensure that the total mass number and the total atomic number are the same on both sides of the equation. On the left side, the total mass number is 264, and the total atomic number is 105. Therefore, on the right side, the total mass number must be 264 and the total atomic number must be 105. To balance the mass number, 4 neutrons must be added.
Step-by-step explanation:
To balance the nuclear reaction: 98249 Cf + 715 N → 105260 Db + ?
You need to ensure that the total mass number and the total atomic number are the same on both sides of the equation. On the left side, the total mass number is 249+15=264, and the total atomic number is 98+7=105. Therefore, on the right side, the total mass number must be 264 and the total atomic number must be 105. Since the atomic number for Db is 105, it does not need to be changed. To balance the mass number, 4 neutrons must be added. This means that the complete nuclide symbols for the particles required to balance the reaction are: 98249 Cf + 715 N → 105260 Db + 40 n.