Question

what particle completes this reaction?

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze mass number conservation

In nuclear reactions, the sum of mass numbers on both sides must be equal. The mass number of \(^{14}_{6}C\) is \(14\), and the mass number of \(^{14}_{7}N\) is \(14\). Let the mass number of the unknown particle be \(A\). Then \(14 = 14+A\), so \(A = 0\).

Step2: Analyze atomic number conservation

The sum of atomic numbers on both sides must be equal. The atomic number of \(^{14}_{6}C\) is \(6\), and the atomic number of \(^{14}_{7}N\) is \(7\). Let the atomic number of the unknown particle be \(Z\). Then \(6=7 + Z\), so \(Z=- 1\).

Step3: Identify the particle

A particle with mass number \(A = 0\) and atomic number \(Z=-1\) is a beta particle (\(^{\ \ 0}_{-1}\beta\)).

Answer:

beta particle