Asked in ETEA MDCAT 2005 2005Moderate

The following reaction might be used for controlled nuclear fusion 3 Li7 + 1H2 ➔ 2(2He4) + X? What is the particle X?

Correct answer: C. A neutron

  • A. An alpha-particle
  • B. An electron
  • C. A neutron
  • D. A proton

Explanation

Without going into deep discussions An easy way to solve such questions, is to balance charge(atomic number) and mass on both sides For that, first we must know the mass and charge of the given options An alpha particle has a mass of 4 and a charge of 2 An electron has mass taken as 0 and charge -1 A neutron has a mass of 1 and a charge of 0 A proton has mass 1 and charges +1 Balancing both sides of a given equation; Mass of Li + mass of H = 2(mass of He) + mass of X 7+2 = 2(4) + x x = 1 (Mass of particle) Now, charge of Li + charge of H = 2(charge of He) + charge of X 3+1 = 2(2) + x x = 0 (charge of the particle) So it coincides with the neutron

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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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