Which isotope, X, is produced when lawrencium-256 decays by alpha emission?

A: 252 over 101 Lr

B: 260 over 105 Db

C: 252 over 101 Md

D: 256 over 101 Md

Question

Which isotope, X, is produced when lawrencium-256 decays by alpha emission?
		
A: 252 over 101 Lr
		
B: 260 over 105 Db
		
C: 252 over 101 Md
		
D: 256 over 101 Md

anonymous · Answer

$$\frac{ 256 }{ 103 } Lr \rightarrow X + \frac{ 4 }{ 2 } He$$

anonymous · Answer

Solve For X

jfraser · Answer

@aphex is correct, find the isotope notation that makes the equation balanced. 

remember to conserve total atomic number and total mass number when balancing nuclear reactions

jfraser · Answer

$$^{256}_{103}Lr \rightarrow \space  ^A_ZX + \space ^4_2 He$$

256 = A + 4

and 

103 = Z + 2

anonymous · Answer

So, im just guessing here, correct me if im worng. D?

anonymous · Answer

Hello?

jfraser · Answer

can 't be D, the mass number is too high

jfraser · Answer

you can't start with a mass of 256, lose 4, and still have a mass of 256

anonymous · Answer

Then its between C & A Right?

jfraser · Answer

true. What's the only difference between options A and C?

anonymous · Answer

Its C

jfraser · Answer

it is. GJ