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Americium-241 undergoes radioactive decay to produce neptunium-237. Which particle needs to be added to this equation to show that the total numbers of neutrons and protons are not changed by the reaction?​

2 Answers

6 votes

Answer:

4/2 HE

Step-by-step explanation:

a p e x!

User AnthonyW
by
8.4k points
4 votes

Answer:

alpha particle needs to be added to the equation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given;

atomic mass of Americium = 241

atomic mass of neptunium = 237

The difference in atomic mass of the radioactive elements given is calculated as;

241 - 237 = 4

The particle with atomic mass of 4 is alpha particle usually represented with helium atom.

Am²⁴¹ -----> He⁴ + Np²³⁷

Thus, alpha particle needs to be added to the equation.

User Mcccclean
by
8.1k points
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