Question Detail
Question
The reaction shown below is responsible for creating carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. What is the bombarding particle? 14_7N + ____ → 14_6C + 1_1H
Correct Answer
Option D is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
For the reaction to be balanced, the sum of mass numbers and atomic numbers on both sides must be equal. Left side mass number = 14 + A. Right side mass number = 14 + 1 = 15. So A = 1. Left side atomic number = 7 + Z. Right side atomic number = 6 + 1 = 7. So Z = 0. A particle with mass number 1 and atomic number 0 is a neutron.
Hint
Balance the nuclear equation in terms of mass number (A) and atomic number (Z).