During an artificial transmutation experiment, Mendelevium-255 () is bombarded with an -particle. It — Nuclear Chemistry and Radioactivity Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The reaction is ${}_{101}^{255}Md + {}_{2}^{4}He \rightarrow {}_{Z}^{A}X + 2{}_{0}^{1}n$. Balancing mass ($A$): $255 + 4 = A + 2(1) \Rightarrow A = 257$. Balancing charge ($Z$): $101 + 2 = Z + 0 \Rightarrow Z = 103$. Element 103 is Lawrencium ($Lr$). The product is ${}_{103}^{257}Lr$.