In the given nuclear equation, X represents a/ an1H2 + 1H2 --------> 2He3 + X
Correct answer: C. Neutron.
- A. Alpha particle.
- B. Beta particle.
- C. Neutron.
- D. Proton.
Explanation
The nuclear reaction involves two deuterium nuclei (1H2) fusing to form a helium-3 nucleus (2He3) and a neutron. In nuclear reactions, both mass and atomic numbers must be conserved. On the left side, the total mass number is 4 (2+2) and the atomic number is 2 (1+1). On the right side, helium-3 has a mass number of 3 and an atomic number of 2. To balance the mass number, a neutron (with a mass number of 1 and an atomic number of 0) is emitted. Thus, the correct answer is a neutron. Alpha and beta particles do not fit the conservation requirements, and a proton would alter the atomic number balance.
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About Composition of Atomic Nuclei
Atomic nuclei contain positively charged protons and electrically neutral neutrons, collectively called nucleons. Questions use atomic number, mass number and nuclear notation to identify isotopes, isobars and isotones, and may connect nuclear composition with nuclear charge, mass defect, binding energy and the stability of the nucleus.
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