A nuclear equation is balanced when which of the following is equal on both sides of the equation?
A) identity of the atoms
B) charges on the atoms
C) identity of the radioactive particles
D) sum of the atomic numbers
E) sum of the atomic and mass numbers

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A nuclear equation involves the rearrangement of atomic and subatomic particles. To ensure that the equation is balanced, the sum of the atomic and mass numbers must be equal on both sides. This is because the atomic number represents the number of protons in the nucleus, while the mass number represents the total number of protons and neutrons. Thus, a balanced equation must conserve both the number of subatomic particles and the total mass. The identity of the atoms and radioactive particles may change, and the charges on the atoms may not always be equal on both sides of the equation, but as long as the sum of the atomic and mass numbers is equal, the equation is balanced.

A Nuclear Equation Is Balanced When Which of the Following