Question

A nucleus `""_11^24Na`  emits a beta particle to change into Magnesium (Mg)

(i) Write the symbolic equation for the process.
(ii) What are numbers 24 and 11 called?
(iii) What is the general name of `""_12^24Mg `with respect to `""_11^24Na` ?

Answer 1

The `""_11^24Na` nucleus emits a beta particle and changes into Magnesium.

(i) The above process is represented by the equation

`""_11^24Na ->""_12^24Mg +     ""_-1^0e`

sodium  Magnesium  Beta particle

(ii) The number 24 is the mass number of the nucleus and 11 is the  atomic number.

(iii)  `""_11^24Na `and `""_12^24Mg ` are isobars, i.e., `""_12^24Mg ` is an isobar of `""_11^24Na  ` as they have same mass number (protons + neutrons) but different atomic number (protons).