Answer:
The correct option is the first option
Explanation:
The equation described in the question is shown below
²³⁹₉₄Pu +¹₀n ⇒ ¹⁰⁰₄₀Zr + blank + 2¹₀n
This equation is a nuclear fission because it involves the splitting of a heavy nucleus, Plutonium (Pu), into smaller nuclei, Zirconium (Zr) and an unknown nuclei.
The law of conservation of matter states that matter can neither be created nor destroyed hence in other to get the missing atom, we must know the total number of subscripts (mass number) and superscripts (atomic number) on both sides.
The total mass number on the reactant side is 239 + 1 = 240
The total atomic number on the reactant side is 94 + 0 = 94
While, The total mass number on the product side is 100 + 2(1) = 102
The total atomic number on the product side is 40 + 2(0) = 40
To determine <u>the missing atom</u>, you subtract the the total atomic number of the product from that on the reactant side; 94 - 40 = 54
The <u>atom with the atomic number 54 is Xenon</u>,
To <u>determine the mass number</u> of the xenon isotope involved, you subtract the the total mass number of the product from that on the reactant side; 240 - 102 = 138.
Hence, the particle that completes the equation is ¹³⁸₅₄Xe, the first option
