Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Proton emission? GS-test 3

[TheMightyTexan]

What is the nuclear reaction for the transmutation of 14N to 17O?

They stated it was: 14/7 N + alpha particle -> p + 17/8 O

reasoning: 14/7 + alpha (4/2) = 17/8 O + x/yZ

since 18 - 17 = 1 and 9-8 = 1 , Z = Hydrogen and is therefore p = a proton.

I never learned about protons i don't think...

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[type12]

What is the question here exactly?

 

[Cawolf]

It's hard to say as that reaction isn't something I would expect we have to memorize.

I would bet there is something in the question stem that points you to the answer - or that the choices provided can be checked and narrowed down to the listed reaction being only one where the products and reactants match up.

 

[StIGMA]

This is pretty basic chemistry (not to be condescending...)

An alpha particle is 2 neutrons + 2 protons (4 atomic mass units [amu] total).

14N > 17O you gain 3 atomic mass units. What is the breakdown of protons/neutrons?

Of the three atomic mass units gained, only 1 can be a proton (if 2 protons were added, you would have fluorine instead of oxygen- # of protons determines the element).

So, one of the three amu is a proton (thus changing the element). The other 2 amu gained (14>17) must be the two neutrons. Only neutrons and protons are contributing significantly to the mass.

So, from 14N>17O you gained 2 neutrons and 1 proton. The other particle leftover from the collision of the alpha particle with the 14N is thus 1 proton. A single proton is also known as hydrogen.

So you are essentially doing very simple algebra.
([2Neutrons+2Protons] - [2Neutrons+1Proton]) = 1 Proton

This concept is actually important in some branches of medicine, so don't think it is useless.