Questions: Predict the missing component in the nuclear equation. [ 94^239 mathrmPu rightarrow mathrmX+2^4 mathrmHe ] [ 92^235 mathrmU ] [ 92^235 mathrmNp ] [ 92^235 mathrmAm ]

Predict the missing component in the nuclear equation.
[ 94^239 mathrmPu rightarrow mathrmX+2^4 mathrmHe ]
[ 92^235 mathrmU ]
[ 92^235 mathrmNp ]
[ 92^235 mathrmAm ]

Transcript text: Predict the missing component in the nuclear equation. \[ { }_{94}^{239} \mathrm{Pu} \rightarrow \mathrm{X}+{ }_{2}^{4} \mathrm{He} \] ${ }_{92}^{235} \mathrm{U}$ ${ }_{92}^{235} \mathrm{~Np}$ ${ }_{92}^{235} \mathrm{Am}$

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Identify the Type of Reaction

The given nuclear equation involves the decay of plutonium-239 ($ _{94}^{239} \mathrm{Pu} $) into an unknown element ($ \mathrm{X} $) and an alpha particle ($ _{2}^{4} \mathrm{He} $). This is an alpha decay reaction.

Step 2: Apply Conservation of Mass Number

In alpha decay, the mass number of the original nucleus decreases by 4. Therefore, the mass number of the unknown element $ \mathrm{X} $ is: \[ 239 - 4 = 235 \]

Step 3: Apply Conservation of Atomic Number

In alpha decay, the atomic number of the original nucleus decreases by 2. Therefore, the atomic number of the unknown element $ \mathrm{X} $ is: \[ 94 - 2 = 92 \]

Step 4: Identify the Element

The element with atomic number 92 is uranium ($ \mathrm{U} $). Therefore, the missing component in the nuclear equation is: \[ { }_{92}^{235} \mathrm{U} \]

Final Answer

$\boxed{_{92}^{235} \mathrm{U}}$

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