Write the balanced nuclear equation for each of the following: (5.2) a. When two oxygen-16 atoms collide, one of the products is an alpha particle.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reactants and products in the nuclear reaction. The reactants are two oxygen-16 atoms, and one of the products is an alpha particle (\( ^4_2\text{He} \)).
2. Write the initial nuclear equation with the known reactants and products: \( ^{16}_8\text{O} + ^{16}_8\text{O} \rightarrow \text{?} + ^4_2\text{He} \).
3. Determine the missing product by balancing the atomic numbers and mass numbers on both sides of the equation. The sum of the atomic numbers on the left must equal the sum on the right, and the same applies to the mass numbers.
4. Calculate the total mass number on the left side: \(16 + 16 = 32\). Calculate the total atomic number on the left side: \(8 + 8 = 16\).
5. Subtract the mass number and atomic number of the alpha particle from the totals to find the missing product: Mass number: \(32 - 4 = 28\), Atomic number: \(16 - 2 = 14\). The missing product is \( ^{28}_{14}\text{Si} \).

Key Concepts

Nuclear Reactions

Nuclear reactions involve changes in an atom's nucleus and can result in the transformation of elements. They differ from chemical reactions, which involve electron interactions. In this context, the collision of two oxygen-16 atoms leads to the emission of an alpha particle, illustrating a type of nuclear reaction where the nucleus is altered.

Alpha Particle

An alpha particle is a type of nuclear particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons, essentially a helium nucleus. It is emitted during certain types of radioactive decay and nuclear reactions. Understanding alpha particles is crucial for balancing nuclear equations, as their emission affects the atomic and mass numbers of the resulting products.

Balancing Nuclear Equations

Balancing nuclear equations requires ensuring that both the mass number and atomic number are conserved during the reaction. This means that the total number of protons and neutrons before the reaction must equal the total after. In the given scenario, one must account for the oxygen atoms and the alpha particle to correctly balance the equation.