Chapter 30.2, Problem 23PP

To determine

The isotope andwrite the nuclear equation.

Answer to Problem 23PP

The isotope is carbon.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

An isotopeis any form of chemical element which has the identical number of protons in the nuclei of an atom but it does not have the identical number of neutrons in its nucleus. The isotope has the same atomic number but it has a different atomic mass number.

In the given example, proton collides with the isotope of nitrogen $\left(N\right)$ and forms a new isotope and alpha particle.

The equation can be written as,

  $H+N\to H+X$

Where, $A$ is the atomic mass number, $Z$ is the atomic number of atom. Now to find the isotope the $A,Z$ should be found.

For $A$ ,

  $A=1+15-4=12$

For $Z$ ,

  $Z=1+7-2=6$

Thus here the atomic number is $6$ and atomic mass number is $12$ . Thus, the isotope is carbon with atomic number $Z$$=6$ .

Conclusion:

The isotope is carbon.