Answer:
The Neutron ; ¹₀n
Explanation:
Let us have the equation;
Gamma ray + 40 20 Calcium ---> 39 20 calcium + blank
Rewriting our equation, we have;
⁰₀γ + ⁴⁰₂₀Ca → ³⁹₂₀Ca + A
We are to calculate what A is.
It is important to understand the following concepts;
Mass Number = Total number of Protons + Neutrons in an atom. It is usually represented by the superscript after the atom.
Atomic Number = Total number of Protons in an atom. It is usually represented by the subscript before the atom.
Total mass number;
Reactants = 0 + 40 = 40
Products = 39 + x
Total Atomic number;
Reactants = 0 + 20 = 20
Products = 20 + y
Since there have to be conservation of mass,
Reactant Mass Number = Product Mass Number
40 = 39 + x
x = 40 - 39 = 1
Reactant Atomic Number = Product Atomic Number
20 = 20 + y
y = 20 - 20 = 0
From our calculations we now know that A has atomic number of 0 and mass number of 1.
Only the Neutron fits this description.
The Neutron is; ¹₀n
Beta particle is ⁰₋₁e, Positron is ⁰₁e, Gamma is ⁰₀γ and Helium is ⁴₂He
