Balancing Nuclear Reactions Worksheet
A Grade 9 Science worksheet focusing on balancing nuclear equations, including alpha decay, beta decay, and nuclear fission.
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Balancing Nuclear Reactions
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Read each question carefully and balance the nuclear equations by filling in the missing particles or isotopes. Remember to conserve mass number and atomic number.
1. Complete the alpha decay reaction for Uranium-238: ²³⁸₉₂U → + ⁴₂He
2. Complete the alpha decay reaction for Radium-226: ²²⁶₈₈Ra → + ⁴₂He
3. Complete the beta decay reaction for Carbon-14: ¹⁴₆C → + ⁰₋₁e
4. Complete the beta decay reaction for Iodine-131: ¹³¹₅₃I → + ⁰₋₁e
5. A nuclear power plant utilizes nuclear fission to generate energy. In a typical fission reaction, a neutron strikes a Uranium-235 nucleus, causing it to split into smaller nuclei and release more neutrons. Complete the following example of a nuclear fission reaction: ¹₀n + ²³⁵₉₂U → ¹⁴¹₅₆Ba + ⁹²₃₆Kr + 3
6. Which of the following particles is emitted during alpha decay?
Electron
Proton
Helium nucleus
Neutron
7. The image below shows a nuclear power plant, which harnesses nuclear reactions. Briefly explain why balancing nuclear equations is crucial for safely operating such a facility.
