Question

the nuclear equation also shows the transmutation of a form of radon into polonium and an alpha particle. which one of the following statements is true? (1 point) on the reactant side the total number of protons + neutrons is 219 and on the reactant side the total number of neutrons present in the products is 215 so it is not balanced. on the reactant and the products side, the number of protons is 2 + 84 = 86. the number of protons and neutrons is 215 + 2 + 2 = 219 so the equation is balanced on the products side, the number of protons is 84 = 86 but on the reactant side, the number is only 84 with no other protons in the products, so it is not balanced. if the alpha particle were a beta particle instead, this equation would be balanced.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall nuclear - equation balance rules

In a balanced nuclear equation, the sum of the mass numbers (total number of protons + neutrons) and the sum of the atomic numbers (number of protons) must be equal on both the reactant and product sides.

Step2: Analyze the first option

The first option only compares the total number of protons + neutrons on the reactant side and the number of neutrons on the product side. This is an incorrect way to check balance as we need to compare mass - numbers and atomic numbers properly.

Step3: Analyze the second option

If the number of protons on the reactant and product sides is \(2 + 84=86\) and the number of protons and neutrons (mass - number) is \(215 + 2+2 = 219\) on both sides, then the equation is balanced. The atomic number and mass number are conserved.

Step4: Analyze the third option

The statement about the number of protons is incorrect. If the number of protons on the product side is 84 and on the reactant side is 86 (assuming correct accounting), it is not balanced as stated, but the numbers are mis - represented in the option.

Step5: Analyze the fourth option

An alpha particle has a mass number of 4 and atomic number of 2, while a beta particle has a mass number of 0 and atomic number of - 1. Changing an alpha particle to a beta particle will not balance the equation as it will disrupt the mass - number and atomic - number conservation.

Answer:

On the reactant AND the products side, the number of protons is \(2 + 84 = 86\). The number of protons and neutrons is \(215+2 + 2=219\) so the equation is balanced.