JAMB Chemistry 2024 Paper

Concept:In a balanced nuclear equation, the total mass numbers and total atomic numbers on both sides must be equal.Explanation:Let the unknown particle be $^{A}_{Z}\mathrm{X}$, where $A$ is the mass number and $Z$ is the atomic number.The given reaction is: $^{14}_{7}\mathrm{N} + ^{A}_{Z}\mathrm{X} \rightarrow ^{14}_{6}\mathrm{C} + ^{1}_{1}\mathrm{H}$.The product $^{1}_{1}\mathrm{P}$ is a proton.Balancing the mass numbers: $14 + A = 14 + 1$, so $A = 1$.Balancing the atomic numbers: $7 + Z = 6 + 1$, so $Z = 0$.The particle with mass number $1$ and atomic number $0$ is represented as $^{1}_{0}\mathrm{n}$.Therefore, $^{1}_{0}\mathrm{n}$ is a neutron.Bombarding nitrogen-14 with a neutron produces carbon-14 and a proton.Answer:D. a neutron.