Answer: ₉₈²⁵³Cf
253 is a superscript to the left of the symbol, Cf, which represents the mass number, and 98 is a subscript to the left of the same symbol, which represents the atomic number.
Explanation:
1) The alpha decay equation shows that the isotope Fm - 257, whose nucleus has 100 protons and 157 neutrons, emitted an alpha particle (a nucleus with 2 protons and 2 neutrons).
2) Therefore:
i) the mass number decreased in 4, from 257 to 257 - 4 = 253.
2) the atomic number decreased in 2, from 100 to 100 - 2 = 98.
3) Hence the formed atom has atomic number 98, which is californium, Cf, and the isotope is californium - 253.
4) The item that completes the given alpha decay reaction is:
₉₈²⁵³ Cf.
5) The complete alfpha decay reaction is:
₁₀₀²⁵⁷ Fm → ₉₈²⁵³Cf + ₂⁴He
You can verify the mass balance:
257 = 253 + 4, and
100 = 98 + 2
The reaction is not balanced
<h3>Further explanation</h3>
Given
Reaction
2Fe(s)+3O₂(g)⇒2Fe₂O₃(s)
Required
The number of atoms
Solution
In a balanced chemical equation, the number of atoms in the compound that reacts (the reactants and products) will have the same number
Reactants : Fe(s)+O₂(g)
Fe = 2 atoms
O = 3 x 2 = 6 atoms
Products : Fe₂O₃(s)
Fe = 2 x 2 = 4 atoms
O = 2 x 3 = 6 atoms
The reaction is not balanced because the number of Fe atoms is not the same
The balanced reaction should be:
4Fe(s)+3O₂(g)⇒2Fe₂O₃(s)
My educated guess should be the 3rd one
You can go to a website about that it will give you the answers
