Choose the nuclear symbol for the missing species to complete the following nuclear bombardment equation: +
$\rightarrow$5
+ ?

Question

Choose the nuclear symbol for the missing species to complete the following nuclear bombardment equation:  + 
$\rightarrow$5 
+ ?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a nuclear bombardment equation, the sum of the atomic numbers (subscripts) and the sum of the mass numbers (superscripts) of the reactants must be equal to those of the products. 
The first reactant is nitrogen-14 (14N), and the second reactant is also nitrogen-14. 
14 + 14 = 28 (atomic numbers) and 14 + 14 = 28 (mass numbers) for the reactants. 
The products must also have an atomic number and mass number equal to 28 each.

The missing species is formed by bombarding nitrogen-14 with nitrogen-14, so it undergoes a fusion reaction. The possible products of such a reaction are hydrogen-1 (1H), helium-3 (3He), and helium-4 (4He). 
Only option C, 11eab070_b0f6_0446_a51f_23d42458aab6_TB6511_11, represents a helium-4 nucleus, which has an atomic number of 2 and a mass number of 4. Thus, the sum of the atomic numbers and the sum of the mass numbers of the products are equal to 28, satisfying the conservation laws.

Choose the Nuclear Symbol for the Missing Species to Complete →\rightarrow→

Choose the Nuclear Symbol for the Missing Species to Complete $\rightarrow$