Complete the following nuclear reaction: _25Mn^55 (n, γ) _________ — Nuclear Chemistry and Radioactivity Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

**Step 1: Identify the reaction type.** The notation $(n, \gamma)$ means a **radiative neutron capture**: the nucleus absorbs a neutron and emits a gamma-ray photon. $$\ce{^{55}_{25}Mn + ^1_0n -> ^A_Z Y + \gamma}$$ **Step 2: Apply conservation laws.** Conservation of charge (atomic number $Z$): $$Z = 25 + 0 = 25 \implies \text{product is Mn}$$ Conservation of mass number $A$: $$A = 55 + 1 = 56$$ **Step 3: Identify the product.** The product is $\ce{^{56}_{25}Mn}$ (Manganese-56). **Answer: D — The product of the (n, γ) reaction on Mn-55 is $\ce{^{56}Mn}$.**