Answer:
Balancing Nuclear Equations
To balance a nuclear equation, the mass number and atomic numbers of all particles on either side of the arrow must be equal.
Explanation:
follows:
6
3
Li
+
2
1
H
→
4
2
He
+
?
To balance the equation above for mass, charge, and mass number, the second nucleus on the right side must have atomic number 2 and mass number 4; it is therefore also helium-4. The complete equation therefore reads:
6
3
Li
+
2
1
H
→
4
2
He
+
4
2
He
Or, more simply:
6
3
Li
+
2
1
H
→
2
4
2
He
image
Lithium-6 plus deuterium gives two helium-4s.: The visual representation of the equation we used as an example.
Compact
