Practice Problem: Nuclear Reactions

The video tutorial explains how an alpha particle reacts with magnesium-25 to produce a proton and another nuclide. It guides viewers through writing the nuclear reaction equation, identifying the components involved, and balancing the atomic and mass numbers. The tutorial concludes by identifying the unknown nuclide as aluminum-28.

What is the initial reaction described in the video involving magnesium 25?

• Magnesium 25 decays into a stable isotope of magnesium.

• Magnesium 25 combines with a neutron to form a heavier element.

• Magnesium 25 undergoes fission to produce two smaller nuclei.

• An alpha particle reacts with magnesium 25 to produce a proton and another nuclide.

What is an alpha particle as described in the video?

• A helium nucleus with two protons and two neutrons

• A carbon nucleus with six protons

• A neutron with a mass number of 1

• A hydrogen atom with one proton

What is the atomic number of a proton?

• 12

• 1

• 2

• 4

How is the unknown nuclide identified in the reaction?

• By measuring the energy released during the reaction

• By balancing the atomic and mass numbers on both sides of the reaction

• By observing the color change in the reaction

• By using a spectrometer to analyze the reaction products

What is the final identified nuclide in the reaction?

• Helium 4

• Magnesium 25

• Aluminum 28

• Hydrogen 1