Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

11. Nuclear Chemistry

Alpha Decay

GOB Chemistry

11. Nuclear Chemistry

Alpha Decay

Previous problemNext problem

1:56 minutes

Problem 65a

Textbook Question

Write the balanced nuclear equation for each of the following:
a. When two oxygen-16 atoms collide, one of the products is an alpha particle.

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the reactants and products in the nuclear reaction. The problem states that two oxygen-16 atoms collide, and one of the products is an alpha particle (⁴₂He). The other product is unknown and needs to be determined.

Write the initial nuclear equation with placeholders for the unknown product:

O^{16} + O^{16} → {He}^{4} + X

, where X represents the unknown product.

Apply the law of conservation of mass number (A). The total mass number of the reactants must equal the total mass number of the products. For the reactants, the total mass number is 16 + 16 = 32. For the products, the mass number of the alpha particle is 4, so the mass number of X must be 32 - 4 = 28.

Apply the law of conservation of atomic number (Z). The total atomic number of the reactants must equal the total atomic number of the products. For the reactants, the total atomic number is 8 (oxygen) + 8 (oxygen) = 16. For the products, the atomic number of the alpha particle is 2, so the atomic number of X must be 16 - 2 = 14.

Determine the identity of the unknown product (X) based on its atomic number (Z = 14). The element with atomic number 14 is silicon (Si). The balanced nuclear equation is:

O^{16} + O^{16} → {He}^{4} + {Si}^{28}

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Nuclear Reactions

Nuclear reactions involve changes in an atom's nucleus and can result in the transformation of elements. They differ from chemical reactions, which involve electron interactions. In this context, the collision of oxygen-16 atoms leading to the production of an alpha particle exemplifies a nuclear reaction where the nucleus is altered.

Alpha Particle

An alpha particle is a type of nuclear radiation consisting of two protons and two neutrons, essentially a helium nucleus. It is emitted during certain types of radioactive decay and nuclear reactions. Understanding alpha particles is crucial for balancing nuclear equations, as they represent a significant change in the atomic structure of the reacting nuclei.

Balancing Nuclear Equations

Balancing nuclear equations requires ensuring that both the mass number and atomic number are conserved during the reaction. This means that the total number of protons and neutrons before the reaction must equal the total after the reaction. Properly balancing the equation for the collision of oxygen-16 atoms and the resulting alpha particle is essential for accurately representing the nuclear process.

Watch next

Master Alpha Decay Concept 1 with a bite sized video explanation from Jules

Start learning