Question

identify the missing particle in the following nuclear reaction:
239 93np→239 94pu+____

Explanation:

Step1: Balance mass number

Mass number of \(^{239}_{93}Np\) is \(239\), mass number of \(^{239}_{94}Pu\) is \(239\). Let the mass number of the missing particle be \(A\). Then \(239 = 239+A\), so \(A = 0\).

Step2: Balance atomic number

Atomic number of \(^{239}_{93}Np\) is \(93\), atomic number of \(^{239}_{94}Pu\) is \(94\). Let the atomic number of the missing particle be \(Z\). Then \(93=94 + Z\), so \(Z=- 1\).

Answer:

\(^{\ 0}_{-1}e\)