Question

In the given nuclear reaction, the element X is: 22 11 Na → X + x₂ + v

• A. \(^{23}_{11} Na\)
• B. \(^{23}_{10} Ne\)
• C. \(^{22}_{10} Ne\)
• D. \(^{22}_{12} Mg\)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The nuclear reaction described can be written in a general form as: \(^{22}_{11} \text{Na} \rightarrow X + x_2 + \nu\). To determine the element X, we need to balance the atomic numbers and mass numbers on both sides of the equation. 

Step 1: Balance Mass Numbers

The mass number on the left side is 22. Thus, the total mass number on the right side must also be 22. Let the mass number of X be A. Then, we have:

\(A = 22\).

Step 2: Balance Atomic Numbers

The atomic number on the left side is 11 (Na). Thus, the total atomic number on the right side, which is the sum of the atomic number of X and the atomic numbers of the emitted particles, must also be 11. Knowing that the emitted particle \(x_2\) (usually a neutrino or beta particle) has negligible atomic number, we have:

\(Z + 0 = 11\),

where Z is the atomic number of X. Solving gives:

\(Z = 10\).

Step 3: Determine Element X

With mass number 22 and atomic number 10, the element X is neon (Ne). Thus, the element X in the nuclear reaction is: \(^{22}_{10} \text{Ne}\).

The correct answer is \(^{22}_{10} \text{Ne}\).