Question

Give the symbol for (a) a neutron, (b) an alpha particle, (c) gamma radiation.

Short answer

(a) A neutron: \(n^0\) (b) An alpha particle: \(\alpha\) or \(_2^4 \textrm{He}^{2+}\) (c) Gamma radiation: \(\gamma\)

Step-by-step solution

(a) Symbol for a neutron)

To find the symbol for a neutron, remember that a neutron is a subatomic particle with no electrical charge. In physics and chemistry, the neutron is often represented by the symbol \(n^0\). The '0' in the superscript denotes its zero charge.

(b) Symbol for an alpha particle)

To find the symbol for an alpha particle, note that an alpha particle is equivalent to a helium-4 nucleus consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, and carrying a charge of +2. The symbol for an alpha particle is given by \(\alpha\) or \(_2^4 \textrm{He}^{2+}\). The '2' in the subscript represents the number of protons (the atomic number), and the '4' in the superscript represents the total number of nucleons (protons and neutrons), the mass number.

(c) Symbol for gamma radiation)

The last part of the exercise asks for the symbol for gamma radiation. Gamma radiation is electromagnetic radiation with very high energy and short wavelength. It is produced by nuclear reactions and other high-energy processes. The symbol for gamma radiation is \(\gamma\).