Write the balanced nuclear equation for the process summarized as [latex]{}_{13}^{27}Al ( n , \alpha){}_{11}^{24}Na[/latex].

Analyze We must go from the condensed descriptive form of the reaction to the balanced nuclear equation. Plan We arrive at the balanced equation by writing n and a, each with its associated subscripts and superscripts. Solve The n is the abbreviation for a neutron [latex]\left({}_0^1 n \right)[/latex], and α represents an alpha particle [latex]\left({}_2^4 He \right)[/latex]. The neutron is the bombarding particle, and the alpha particle is a product. Therefore, the nuclear equation is [latex]{}_{13}^{27}Al +{}_0^1 n \longrightarrow{}_{11}^{24}Na +{}_2^4 He \text{or} {}_{13}^{27}Al + n \longrightarrow{}_{11}^{24}Na +\alpha[/latex]

Question 21.SE.4: Write the balanced nuclear equation for the process summariz...

Chemistry: The Central Science in SI Units, Expanded Edition

Write the balanced nuclear equation for the process summarized as ${}_{13}^{27}Al ( n , \alpha){}_{11}^{24}Na$ .

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Analyze We must go from the condensed descriptive form of the reaction to the balanced nuclear equation.

Plan We arrive at the balanced equation by writing n and a, each with its associated subscripts and superscripts.

Solve The n is the abbreviation for a neutron $\left({}_0^1 n \right)$ , and α represents an alpha particle $\left({}_2^4 He \right)$ . The neutron is the bombarding particle, and the alpha particle is a product. Therefore, the nuclear equation is

${}_{13}^{27}Al +{}_0^1 n \longrightarrow{}_{11}^{24}Na +{}_2^4 He \text{or} {}_{13}^{27}Al + n \longrightarrow{}_{11}^{24}Na +\alpha$