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COMEDK · Physics · 29. Nuclear Physics

A mercury-198 nucleus is bombarded by a neutron, which causes a nuclear reaction
\({}^{1}_{0}n + {}^{198}_{80}Hg \longrightarrow {}^{197}_{79}Au + X\)
What is the unknown product particle X?

  1. A Alpha particle
  2. B Proton
  3. C Beta particle
  4. D Deuteron
Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(D) Deuteron

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

Let the unknown particle \(X\) be represented as \({}^{A}_{Z}X\). Applying the principle of conservation of mass number: \(1 + 198 = 197 + A\) \(199 = 197 + A\) \(A = 2\) Applying the principle of conservation of atomic number: \(0 + 80 = 79 + Z\) \(80 = 79 + Z\) \(Z = 1\) The…