Chapter 25, Problem 40PS

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The balanced nuclear equation for the synthesis of $\text{americium-241}$ from $\text{plutonium-239}$ should be written.

Concept introduction:

Balancing nuclear reaction equation: The balanced nuclear reaction should conserve both mass number and atomic number.

• The sum of the mass number of the reactants should be equal to the sum of mass number of the products in the reaction.
• The sum of atomic number (or the atomic charge) of the reactants should be equal to the sum of atomic number (or the atomic charge) of the products in the reaction.