given the following nuclear reaction 252/99 Es-0/-1e+a/zX what is the symbol of the new atom?
The symbol of the new atom is X.
To determine the symbol of the new atom after the given nuclear reaction, we need to identify the element with atomic number (Z) and mass number (A) based on the given values.
In the reaction, the initial atom is 252/99 Es. Here, 252 represents the mass number, and 99 represents the atomic number.
During the reaction, an alpha particle (α) is emitted, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. Additionally, an electron (-1e) is also emitted.
The new atom (X) is formed, so we need to identify its atomic number and mass number.
Atomic Number (Z):
The atomic number is the number of protons in an atom. Since an alpha particle is emitted, which contains 2 protons, the atomic number of the new atom (X) will be 99 + 2 = 101.
Mass Number (A):
The mass number is the sum of the protons and neutrons present in an atom. In this case, the mass number is unchanged because no neutrons are gained or lost during the reaction. Hence, the mass number of the new atom (X) will also be 252.
Therefore, the symbol of the new atom formed after the given nuclear reaction is 252/101 X.
To determine the symbol of the new atom in the given nuclear reaction, you need to understand the notation used for nuclear reactions.
In the nuclear reaction provided:
- 252/99 Es represents the parent atom, with an atomic mass of 252 and an atomic number of 99.
- 0/-1e represents an electron, with an atomic mass of 0 and an atomic number of -1 (indicating -1 electric charge).
- a/zX represents an alpha particle, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, denoted by "a". "z" represents the atomic number of the new atom, and "X" denotes the symbol of the new atom.
Now let's determine the atomic number of the new atom:
Starting with the parent atom, 99 Es, and adding the atomic numbers of the particles involved in the reaction: 99 (Es) + -1 (e) = 98.
Since an alpha particle (a) has 2 protons, the atomic number of the new atom is: 98 + 2 = 100.
Therefore, the symbol of the new atom is "X" with an atomic number of 100.