Question

Which of the following can be used to convert $_{7}^{14}N$ into $_{8}^{17}O$ ?
(A) Deuterons
(B) protons
(C) α-particles
(D) Neutron

Answer 1

Hint: We can solve this question by checking the atomic mass of each of the particles given in the options. A particle with a mass less than the atomic mass change from nitrogen (N) to oxygen (O) cannot be used to convert$_{7}^{14}N$ into$_{8}^{17}O$.

Complete Step by Step Solution:
During conversion of $_{7}^{14}N$ into $_{8}^{17}O$ , the atomic mass changes by
$\Delta m=17-14=3$.

This means that the particle required to convert $_{7}^{14}N$ into $_{8}^{17}O$ should have a mass greater than or equal to 3.

(A) Deuterons ${{(}_{1}}{{H}^{2}})$ have a mass of 2, which is less than 3.$(2<3)$
So, deuteron cannot be used to convert $_{7}^{14}N$ into$_{8}^{17}O$.
(B) Protons ${{(}_{1}}{{H}^{1}})$ have a mass of 1, which is less than 3.$(1<3)$
So, protons cannot be used to convert $_{7}^{14}N$ into$_{8}^{17}O$.
(C) α-particles ${{(}_{2}}H{{e}^{4}})$ have a mass of 4, which is more than 3.\[(4>3)\]
$_{7}{{N}^{14}}{{+}_{2}}H{{e}^{4}}{{\xrightarrow{{}}}_{8}}{{O}^{17}}{{+}_{1}}{{H}^{1}}$
So, α-particles can be used to convert $_{7}^{14}N$ into$_{8}^{17}O$.
(D) Neutron ${{(}_{0}}{{n}^{1}})$ has a mass of 1, which is less than 3.$(1<3)$
So, neutron cannot be used to convert $_{7}^{14}N$ into$_{8}^{17}O$.
Correct Option: (C) α-particles .

Additional Information: Alpha particles are made up of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. The protons and neutrons in the alpha particle are held together by a strong nuclear force. It is a positively charged particle. These have very low penetrating power, such that they cannot even penetrate the outer dead layer of skin. The alpha particles are very large and move very slowly. This is why it can be stopped completely by a very thin sheet of paper.

Note: The mass of each of the particle, given in the options should be correctly known to give the correct answer to this question.