In the reaction: _4Be^9 + X -> _5B^10 + γ, X is — Nuclear Chemistry and Radioactivity Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

**Step 1: Write the nuclear reaction.** $$\ce{^9_4Be + ^a_z X -> ^{10}_5B + \gamma}$$ **Step 2: Conserve atomic number $Z$.** $$4 + z = 5 \implies z = 1$$ The projectile has atomic number 1 (hydrogen family). **Step 3: Conserve mass number $A$.** $$9 + a = 10 \implies a = 1$$ The projectile has mass number 1. **Step 4: Identify the particle.** A particle with $Z = 1$, $A = 1$ is a **proton** ($\ce{^1_1H}$ or $p$). **Verify:** $$\ce{^9_4Be + ^1_1p -> ^{10}_5B + \gamma}$$ This is a well-known $(p, \gamma)$ reaction used to produce B-10. **Answer: A — The projectile X is a proton.**