Question 25.2: Writing Equations for Nuclear Bombardment Reactions. Write a......

Analyze
In this example we proceed in a manner similar to that in Example 25-1: We first write an incomplete nuclear equation from the given information. We must also realize that a particle is produced along with $^{56}Mn$. To find the mass number (A) of the unknown particle, we must subtract the mass number of the Mn atom from that of the Co atom plus the neutron that initiates the reaction. Thus, for the unknown particle, A = 59 + 1 − 56 = 4.
Subtracting the atomic number of Mn from that of Co provides the atomic number of the unknown particle: Z = 27 − 25 = 2.

Solve
The unknown particle must have A = 4 and Z = 2; it is an α particle.

$^{59}_{27}Co + ^{1}_{0}n → ^{56}_{25}Mn + ^{4}_{2}He$

Assess
By using the concept that a balanced nuclear equation has the same overall atomic number and mass number on both sides of the equation, we can identify the unknown particle that has been ejected during bombardment.