Question

1. Assume alpha decay occurs on the following isotopes. What atomic mass, atomic

number, and atomic symbol will the product have?
a. Silicon-28
i. Mass:
II. Number:
Symbol:

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Given parameters:

Isotope ;

Si - 28

²⁸₁₄Si;

The specie undergoes an alpha decay; An alpha particle resembles a helium atom;

²⁸₁₄Si → ⁴₂He + ?

In nuclear reactions, the mass and atomic numbers are usually conserved;

So let specie unknown be denote as X

ᵃₙX;

²⁸₁₄Si → ⁴₂He + ᵃₙX

Sum of the mass number on the reactant side must equal to that on the product side;

28 = 4 + a

28 - 4 = a

a = 24 mass number of X;

14 = 2 + n

n = 14 - 2 = 12 atomic number of X;

Now, the species X with an atomic number of 12 is magnesium

Symbol is Mg

Mass number = 24