Nuclear Equations Simplified

A nuclear equation shows how a nucleus gains or loses subatomic particles.

Ex. 1:

¹₁H + ⁹₄Be ---> ⁶₃Li + ⁴₂He

Let's take a look at this part: ⁹₄Be . The 9 represents the Mass Number, or the atomic weight of the atom. The 4 represents the Atomic Number, or number of protons.

Rule: The sum of the mass numbers of the reactants equals the sum of the mass numbers of the products .

Using this rule, you can figure out any missing particles in the equation.

Ex. 2:

^{What is the missing particle in this equation?}

²⁷₁₃Al + ⁴₂He ---> ³⁰₁₅P + ?

To find the answer, you must add the mass and atomic numbers of the reactants. So, 27 + 4 = 31 , and 13 + 2 = 15 . This means that the products must have a total mass number of 31, and a total atomic number of 15. Subtract the known products from the sums of the reactants. So, 31 - 30 = 1 , and 15 - 15 = 0 . So, the missing particle would look like this: ¹₀x . Now, compare that to your list of particles, and this particle matches up with a neutron. So, the final equation would be:

²⁷₁₃Al + ⁴₂He ---> ³⁰₁₅P + ¹₀N .

Here's Some Links You Might Like

Want some practice?

Types of Radioactive Decay

Nuclear Chemistry

Writing Equations with Alpha and Beta Particles

Writing Equations with Positron and Electron Capture

Solving Nuclear Equations (includes particle names + descriptions)

F.A.S.T. Science Links

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This page last modified:

Monday July 02, 2001 09:10 PM