[Edher]

Saludos,

      I am not quite sure what they are asking for in this problem, could you please help me get started.

Write a balanced nuclear equation for the following:

²¹²₈₂Pb (³¹₁₅P, ?)


Here is my attempt:

²¹²₈₂ -->  ³¹₁₅P + ¹⁶³₆₆Dy + ⁰₊₁?

Does it matter that the mass number doesn't match?

Thank you,
Edher

[Grejak]

I've never heard of a ? exit channel...

It does matter that the mass numbers do not match.  In any nuclear decay or reaction, both the mass and the atomic numbers must add up properly on both sides of the equation.  Also, it appears that you are incorrectly reading the reaction notation.  What you have written is something commonly used to denote nuclear reactions where ²¹²₈₂Pb is the target ³¹₁₅P is the projectile or entrance channel and ? is the exit channel.  Another way to write is the first reaction you have is:

²¹²₈₂Pb+³¹₁₅P -> X + ?

Anyway, the reaction you have written does not tell you whether the exit channel is ?+ or ?-, so there are two possibilities.  One is:
²¹²₈₂Pb(³¹₁₅P,⁰_-1?-)²⁴³₉₈Cf

or in more understandable notation:
²¹²₈₂Pb+³¹₁₅P -> ²⁴³₉₈Cf + ⁰_-1?- 

If you really want to be correct, you can throw an antineutrino into the right side of that equation

Is the first reaction that you have written down correct though?  Based on my understanding of nuclear reactions (So I may not be correct) I do not think that it is possible for a ? exit channel to exist and ²¹²₈₂Pb has a half-life of 10.64 hours, so there is no way that anyone will allow you to make a target out of that.

[Mitch]

I'm with Grejak except 243Cf would decay by positron emission for beta-decay.

http://www.isotope-table.com/