Question

In the given nuclear reaction, the element X is: 22 11 Na → X + x₂ + v

• A. \(^{23}_{11} Na\)
• B. \(^{23}_{10} Ne\)
• C. \(^{22}_{10} Ne\)
• D. \(^{22}_{12} Mg\)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Nuclear reactions must obey conservation laws, primarily the conservation of nucleon number (Mass Number \(A\)) and the conservation of charge (Atomic Number \(Z\)).
The reaction given is \(\beta^+\) decay, where a proton inside the nucleus converts into a neutron, emitting a positron (\(e^+\)) and a neutrino (\(\nu\)).
Key Formula or Approach:
Balance the numbers on both sides of the reaction:
\[ ^{A_{initial}}_{Z_{initial}}\text{Parent} \rightarrow ^{A_{final}}_{Z_{final}}\text{Daughter} + ^{0}_{+1}e + ^{0}_{0}\nu \]
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Conserving Mass Number (\(A\)):
Initial \(A = 22\).
On the right side, the positron and neutrino have a mass number of 0.
So, \(22 = A_X + 0 + 0 \implies A_X = 22\).
2. Conserving Atomic Number (\(Z\)):
Initial \(Z = 11\).
On the right side, the positron has a charge of \(+1\) and the neutrino has 0 charge.
So, \(11 = Z_X + 1 + 0 \implies Z_X = 10\).
3. Identifying the Element:
Looking at the periodic table, the element with atomic number 10 is Neon (\(\text{Ne}\)).
Combining these, \(X\) must be \(^{22}_{10}\text{Ne}\).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The daughter element \(X\) is \(^{22}_{10}\text{Ne}\).