Worksheet for practicing balancing nuclear reactions and identifying types of nuclear reactions.
Balancing Nuclear Reactions Worksheet with 15 problems involving nuclear reactions, including alpha emission, beta emission, gamma emission, positron emission, artificial transmutation, fission, and fusion.
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Step-by-step solution for: Solved BALANCING NUCLEAR REACTIONS WORKSHEET Predict the | Chegg.com
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Show Answer Key & Explanations
Step-by-step solution for: Solved BALANCING NUCLEAR REACTIONS WORKSHEET Predict the | Chegg.com
To solve the problems in the "Balancing Nuclear Reactions Worksheet," we need to balance the nuclear equations and identify the type of nuclear reaction. Let's go through each problem step by step.
Equation: $^{42}_{19}\text{K} \rightarrow ^0_{-1}\text{e} + \_\_\_\_\_\_$
- Type of Reaction: Beta ($\beta$) emission
- Explanation: In beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton, an electron (beta particle), and an antineutrino. The atomic number increases by 1, and the mass number remains the same.
- Solution: $^{42}_{19}\text{K} \rightarrow ^0_{-1}\text{e} + ^{42}_{20}\text{Ca}$
Equation: $^{239}_{94}\text{Pu} \rightarrow ^4_2\text{He} + \_\_\_\_\_\_$
- Type of Reaction: Alpha ($\alpha$) emission
- Explanation: In alpha decay, the nucleus emits an alpha particle ($^4_2\text{He}$), reducing the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4.
- Solution: $^{239}_{94}\text{Pu} \rightarrow ^4_2\text{He} + ^{235}_{92}\text{U}$
Equation: $^{235}_{92}\text{U} \rightarrow \_\_\_\_\_\_ + ^{234}_{96}\text{Th}$
- Type of Reaction: Positron ($\beta^+$) emission or Electron Capture
- Explanation: Here, the mass number decreases by 1, and the atomic number increases by 2. This suggests positron emission or electron capture. Since the daughter nucleus is thorium-234, which has a higher atomic number, it must be positron emission.
- Solution: $^{235}_{92}\text{U} \rightarrow ^0_{+1}\text{e} + ^{234}_{96}\text{Th}$
Equation: $^1_1\text{H} + ^3_1\text{H} \rightarrow \_\_\_\_\_\_$
- Type of Reaction: Fusion
- Explanation: This is a fusion reaction where two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. The total mass number and atomic number must be conserved.
- Solution: $^1_1\text{H} + ^3_1\text{H} \rightarrow ^4_2\text{He}$
Equation: $^6_3\text{Li} \rightarrow ^1_0\text{n} + ^4_2\text{He} + \_\_\_\_\_\_$
- Type of Reaction: Artificial transmutation
- Explanation: Lithium-6 captures a neutron and undergoes fission-like splitting into helium-4 and another nucleus. The missing particle must balance the mass and charge.
- Solution: $^6_3\text{Li} + ^1_0\text{n} \rightarrow ^1_0\text{n} + ^4_2\text{He} + ^2_1\text{H}$
Equation: $^{27}_{13}\text{Al} + ^4_2\text{He} \rightarrow ^{30}_{15}\text{P} + \_\_\_\_\_\_$
- Type of Reaction: Artificial transmutation
- Explanation: Aluminum-27 captures an alpha particle and transforms into phosphorus-30, emitting a neutron to conserve mass and charge.
- Solution: $^{27}_{13}\text{Al} + ^4_2\text{He} \rightarrow ^{30}_{15}\text{P} + ^1_0\text{n}$
Equation: $^9_4\text{Be} + ^1_0\text{n} \rightarrow \_\_\_\_\_\_ + ^4_2\text{He}$
- Type of Reaction: Artificial transmutation
- Explanation: Beryllium-9 captures a neutron and splits into helium-4 and another nucleus. The missing nucleus must balance the mass and charge.
- Solution: $^9_4\text{Be} + ^1_0\text{n} \rightarrow ^6_3\text{Li} + ^4_2\text{He}$
Equation: $^{37}_{19}\text{K} \rightarrow ^0_{+1}\text{e} + \_\_\_\_\_\_$
- Type of Reaction: Positron ($\beta^+$) emission
- Explanation: Potassium-37 emits a positron, converting a proton into a neutron, decreasing the atomic number by 1.
- Solution: $^{37}_{19}\text{K} \rightarrow ^0_{+1}\text{e} + ^{37}_{18}\text{Ar}$
Equation: $\_\_\_\_\_\_ + ^1_0\text{n} \rightarrow ^{142}_{56}\text{Ba} + ^{91}_{36}\text{Kr} + 3^1_0\text{n}$
- Type of Reaction: Fission
- Explanation: This is a typical nuclear fission reaction where a heavy nucleus splits into two lighter nuclei and releases neutrons. The initial nucleus must have a mass number equal to the sum of the products minus the emitted neutrons.
- Solution: $^{235}_{92}\text{U} + ^1_0\text{n} \rightarrow ^{142}_{56}\text{Ba} + ^{91}_{36}\text{Kr} + 3^1_0\text{n}$
Equation: $^{238}_{92}\text{U} + ^4_2\text{He} \rightarrow \_\_\_\_\_\_ + ^1_0\text{n}$
- Type of Reaction: Artificial transmutation
- Explanation: Uranium-238 captures an alpha particle and emits a neutron, forming a new nucleus.
- Solution: $^{238}_{92}\text{U} + ^4_2\text{He} \rightarrow ^{241}_{94}\text{Pu} + ^1_0\text{n}$
Equation: $^{14}_6\text{C} \rightarrow ^{14}_7\text{N} + \_\_\_\_\_\_$
- Type of Reaction: Positron ($\beta^+$) emission
- Explanation: Carbon-14 emits a positron, converting a proton into a neutron, increasing the atomic number by 1.
- Solution: $^{14}_6\text{C} \rightarrow ^{14}_7\text{N} + ^0_{+1}\text{e}$
Equation: $^{187}_{75}\text{Re} + \_\_\_\_\_\_ \rightarrow ^{188}_{75}\text{Re} + ^1_1\text{H}$
- Type of Reaction: Artificial transmutation
- Explanation: Rhenium-187 captures a particle and emits a proton, forming rhenium-188. The captured particle must be a neutron.
- Solution: $^{187}_{75}\text{Re} + ^1_0\text{n} \rightarrow ^{188}_{75}\text{Re} + ^1_1\text{H}$
Equation: $^{22}_{11}\text{Na} + \_\_\_\_\_\_ \rightarrow ^{22}_{10}\text{Ne}$
- Type of Reaction: Electron capture
- Explanation: Sodium-22 captures an electron, converting a proton into a neutron, decreasing the atomic number by 1.
- Solution: $^{22}_{11}\text{Na} + ^0_{-1}\text{e} \rightarrow ^{22}_{10}\text{Ne}$
Equation: $^{218}_{84}\text{Po} \rightarrow \_\_\_\_\_\_ + ^4_2\text{He}$
- Type of Reaction: Alpha ($\alpha$) emission
- Explanation: Polonium-218 emits an alpha particle, reducing the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4.
- Solution: $^{218}_{84}\text{Po} \rightarrow ^{214}_{82}\text{Pb} + ^4_2\text{He}$
Equation: $^{253}_{99}\text{Es} + ^4_2\text{He} \rightarrow ^1_0\text{n} + \_\_\_\_\_\_$
- Type of Reaction: Artificial transmutation
- Explanation: Einsteinium-253 captures an alpha particle and emits a neutron, forming a new nucleus.
- Solution: $^{253}_{99}\text{Es} + ^4_2\text{He} \rightarrow ^1_0\text{n} + ^{256}_{101}\text{Md}$
1. $^{42}_{20}\text{Ca}$, $\beta$ emission
2. $^{235}_{92}\text{U}$, $\alpha$ emission
3. $^0_{+1}\text{e}$, $\beta^+$ emission
4. $^{4}_{2}\text{He}$, Fusion
5. $^{2}_{1}\text{H}$, Artificial transmutation
6. $^{1}_{0}\text{n}$, Artificial transmutation
7. $^{6}_{3}\text{Li}$, Artificial transmutation
8. $^{37}_{18}\text{Ar}$, $\beta^+$ emission
9. $^{235}_{92}\text{U}$, Fission
10. $^{241}_{94}\text{Pu}$, Artificial transmutation
11. $^{0}_{+1}\text{e}$, $\beta^+$ emission
12. $^{1}_{0}\text{n}$, Artificial transmutation
13. $^{0}_{-1}\text{e}$, Electron capture
14. $^{214}_{82}\text{Pb}$, $\alpha$ emission
15. $^{256}_{101}\text{Md}$, Artificial transmutation
$$
\boxed{
\begin{array}{ll}
1. & ^{42}_{20}\text{Ca}, \beta \text{ emission} \\
2. & ^{235}_{92}\text{U}, \alpha \text{ emission} \\
3. & ^0_{+1}\text{e}, \beta^+ \text{ emission} \\
4. & ^{4}_{2}\text{He}, \text{Fusion} \\
5. & ^{2}_{1}\text{H}, \text{Artificial transmutation} \\
6. & ^{1}_{0}\text{n}, \text{Artificial transmutation} \\
7. & ^{6}_{3}\text{Li}, \text{Artificial transmutation} \\
8. & ^{37}_{18}\text{Ar}, \beta^+ \text{ emission} \\
9. & ^{235}_{92}\text{U}, \text{Fission} \\
10. & ^{241}_{94}\text{Pu}, \text{Artificial transmutation} \\
11. & ^{0}_{+1}\text{e}, \beta^+ \text{ emission} \\
12. & ^{1}_{0}\text{n}, \text{Artificial transmutation} \\
13. & ^{0}_{-1}\text{e}, \text{Electron capture} \\
14. & ^{214}_{82}\text{Pb}, \alpha \text{ emission} \\
15. & ^{256}_{101}\text{Md}, \text{Artificial transmutation} \\
\end{array}
}
$$
1.
Equation: $^{42}_{19}\text{K} \rightarrow ^0_{-1}\text{e} + \_\_\_\_\_\_$
- Type of Reaction: Beta ($\beta$) emission
- Explanation: In beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton, an electron (beta particle), and an antineutrino. The atomic number increases by 1, and the mass number remains the same.
- Solution: $^{42}_{19}\text{K} \rightarrow ^0_{-1}\text{e} + ^{42}_{20}\text{Ca}$
2.
Equation: $^{239}_{94}\text{Pu} \rightarrow ^4_2\text{He} + \_\_\_\_\_\_$
- Type of Reaction: Alpha ($\alpha$) emission
- Explanation: In alpha decay, the nucleus emits an alpha particle ($^4_2\text{He}$), reducing the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4.
- Solution: $^{239}_{94}\text{Pu} \rightarrow ^4_2\text{He} + ^{235}_{92}\text{U}$
3.
Equation: $^{235}_{92}\text{U} \rightarrow \_\_\_\_\_\_ + ^{234}_{96}\text{Th}$
- Type of Reaction: Positron ($\beta^+$) emission or Electron Capture
- Explanation: Here, the mass number decreases by 1, and the atomic number increases by 2. This suggests positron emission or electron capture. Since the daughter nucleus is thorium-234, which has a higher atomic number, it must be positron emission.
- Solution: $^{235}_{92}\text{U} \rightarrow ^0_{+1}\text{e} + ^{234}_{96}\text{Th}$
4.
Equation: $^1_1\text{H} + ^3_1\text{H} \rightarrow \_\_\_\_\_\_$
- Type of Reaction: Fusion
- Explanation: This is a fusion reaction where two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. The total mass number and atomic number must be conserved.
- Solution: $^1_1\text{H} + ^3_1\text{H} \rightarrow ^4_2\text{He}$
5.
Equation: $^6_3\text{Li} \rightarrow ^1_0\text{n} + ^4_2\text{He} + \_\_\_\_\_\_$
- Type of Reaction: Artificial transmutation
- Explanation: Lithium-6 captures a neutron and undergoes fission-like splitting into helium-4 and another nucleus. The missing particle must balance the mass and charge.
- Solution: $^6_3\text{Li} + ^1_0\text{n} \rightarrow ^1_0\text{n} + ^4_2\text{He} + ^2_1\text{H}$
6.
Equation: $^{27}_{13}\text{Al} + ^4_2\text{He} \rightarrow ^{30}_{15}\text{P} + \_\_\_\_\_\_$
- Type of Reaction: Artificial transmutation
- Explanation: Aluminum-27 captures an alpha particle and transforms into phosphorus-30, emitting a neutron to conserve mass and charge.
- Solution: $^{27}_{13}\text{Al} + ^4_2\text{He} \rightarrow ^{30}_{15}\text{P} + ^1_0\text{n}$
7.
Equation: $^9_4\text{Be} + ^1_0\text{n} \rightarrow \_\_\_\_\_\_ + ^4_2\text{He}$
- Type of Reaction: Artificial transmutation
- Explanation: Beryllium-9 captures a neutron and splits into helium-4 and another nucleus. The missing nucleus must balance the mass and charge.
- Solution: $^9_4\text{Be} + ^1_0\text{n} \rightarrow ^6_3\text{Li} + ^4_2\text{He}$
8.
Equation: $^{37}_{19}\text{K} \rightarrow ^0_{+1}\text{e} + \_\_\_\_\_\_$
- Type of Reaction: Positron ($\beta^+$) emission
- Explanation: Potassium-37 emits a positron, converting a proton into a neutron, decreasing the atomic number by 1.
- Solution: $^{37}_{19}\text{K} \rightarrow ^0_{+1}\text{e} + ^{37}_{18}\text{Ar}$
9.
Equation: $\_\_\_\_\_\_ + ^1_0\text{n} \rightarrow ^{142}_{56}\text{Ba} + ^{91}_{36}\text{Kr} + 3^1_0\text{n}$
- Type of Reaction: Fission
- Explanation: This is a typical nuclear fission reaction where a heavy nucleus splits into two lighter nuclei and releases neutrons. The initial nucleus must have a mass number equal to the sum of the products minus the emitted neutrons.
- Solution: $^{235}_{92}\text{U} + ^1_0\text{n} \rightarrow ^{142}_{56}\text{Ba} + ^{91}_{36}\text{Kr} + 3^1_0\text{n}$
10.
Equation: $^{238}_{92}\text{U} + ^4_2\text{He} \rightarrow \_\_\_\_\_\_ + ^1_0\text{n}$
- Type of Reaction: Artificial transmutation
- Explanation: Uranium-238 captures an alpha particle and emits a neutron, forming a new nucleus.
- Solution: $^{238}_{92}\text{U} + ^4_2\text{He} \rightarrow ^{241}_{94}\text{Pu} + ^1_0\text{n}$
11.
Equation: $^{14}_6\text{C} \rightarrow ^{14}_7\text{N} + \_\_\_\_\_\_$
- Type of Reaction: Positron ($\beta^+$) emission
- Explanation: Carbon-14 emits a positron, converting a proton into a neutron, increasing the atomic number by 1.
- Solution: $^{14}_6\text{C} \rightarrow ^{14}_7\text{N} + ^0_{+1}\text{e}$
12.
Equation: $^{187}_{75}\text{Re} + \_\_\_\_\_\_ \rightarrow ^{188}_{75}\text{Re} + ^1_1\text{H}$
- Type of Reaction: Artificial transmutation
- Explanation: Rhenium-187 captures a particle and emits a proton, forming rhenium-188. The captured particle must be a neutron.
- Solution: $^{187}_{75}\text{Re} + ^1_0\text{n} \rightarrow ^{188}_{75}\text{Re} + ^1_1\text{H}$
13.
Equation: $^{22}_{11}\text{Na} + \_\_\_\_\_\_ \rightarrow ^{22}_{10}\text{Ne}$
- Type of Reaction: Electron capture
- Explanation: Sodium-22 captures an electron, converting a proton into a neutron, decreasing the atomic number by 1.
- Solution: $^{22}_{11}\text{Na} + ^0_{-1}\text{e} \rightarrow ^{22}_{10}\text{Ne}$
14.
Equation: $^{218}_{84}\text{Po} \rightarrow \_\_\_\_\_\_ + ^4_2\text{He}$
- Type of Reaction: Alpha ($\alpha$) emission
- Explanation: Polonium-218 emits an alpha particle, reducing the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4.
- Solution: $^{218}_{84}\text{Po} \rightarrow ^{214}_{82}\text{Pb} + ^4_2\text{He}$
15.
Equation: $^{253}_{99}\text{Es} + ^4_2\text{He} \rightarrow ^1_0\text{n} + \_\_\_\_\_\_$
- Type of Reaction: Artificial transmutation
- Explanation: Einsteinium-253 captures an alpha particle and emits a neutron, forming a new nucleus.
- Solution: $^{253}_{99}\text{Es} + ^4_2\text{He} \rightarrow ^1_0\text{n} + ^{256}_{101}\text{Md}$
Final Answers:
1. $^{42}_{20}\text{Ca}$, $\beta$ emission
2. $^{235}_{92}\text{U}$, $\alpha$ emission
3. $^0_{+1}\text{e}$, $\beta^+$ emission
4. $^{4}_{2}\text{He}$, Fusion
5. $^{2}_{1}\text{H}$, Artificial transmutation
6. $^{1}_{0}\text{n}$, Artificial transmutation
7. $^{6}_{3}\text{Li}$, Artificial transmutation
8. $^{37}_{18}\text{Ar}$, $\beta^+$ emission
9. $^{235}_{92}\text{U}$, Fission
10. $^{241}_{94}\text{Pu}$, Artificial transmutation
11. $^{0}_{+1}\text{e}$, $\beta^+$ emission
12. $^{1}_{0}\text{n}$, Artificial transmutation
13. $^{0}_{-1}\text{e}$, Electron capture
14. $^{214}_{82}\text{Pb}$, $\alpha$ emission
15. $^{256}_{101}\text{Md}$, Artificial transmutation
$$
\boxed{
\begin{array}{ll}
1. & ^{42}_{20}\text{Ca}, \beta \text{ emission} \\
2. & ^{235}_{92}\text{U}, \alpha \text{ emission} \\
3. & ^0_{+1}\text{e}, \beta^+ \text{ emission} \\
4. & ^{4}_{2}\text{He}, \text{Fusion} \\
5. & ^{2}_{1}\text{H}, \text{Artificial transmutation} \\
6. & ^{1}_{0}\text{n}, \text{Artificial transmutation} \\
7. & ^{6}_{3}\text{Li}, \text{Artificial transmutation} \\
8. & ^{37}_{18}\text{Ar}, \beta^+ \text{ emission} \\
9. & ^{235}_{92}\text{U}, \text{Fission} \\
10. & ^{241}_{94}\text{Pu}, \text{Artificial transmutation} \\
11. & ^{0}_{+1}\text{e}, \beta^+ \text{ emission} \\
12. & ^{1}_{0}\text{n}, \text{Artificial transmutation} \\
13. & ^{0}_{-1}\text{e}, \text{Electron capture} \\
14. & ^{214}_{82}\text{Pb}, \alpha \text{ emission} \\
15. & ^{256}_{101}\text{Md}, \text{Artificial transmutation} \\
\end{array}
}
$$
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of nuclear reaction worksheet key.
![NUCLEAR REACTION WORKSHEET [ANSWER KEY] | Schemes and Mind Maps ...](/images2/nuclear-reaction-worksheet-key/nuclear-reaction-worksheet-key-2.png)