Consider the nuclear equation below.

[tex]\[
{}_{56}^{124} \text{Ba} \longrightarrow {}_{55}^{124} \text{Cs} + \text{ ? }
\][/tex]

Which completes the nuclear equation?

A. [tex]\({}_{+1}^0 \text{e}\)[/tex]

B. [tex]\({}_{-1}^0 \text{e}\)[/tex]

C. [tex]\({}_0^1 \text{n}\)[/tex]

D. [tex]\({}_1^1 \text{H}\)[/tex]



Answer :

To determine the particle that completes the given nuclear equation:

[tex]\[ _{56}^{124} \text{Ba} \rightarrow \, _{55}^{124} \text{Cs} + \text{ ? } \][/tex]

we need to understand the type of nuclear reaction occurring.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Identify the Type of Reaction:
The transition from Barium-124 ([tex]\( _{56}^{124} \text{Ba} \)[/tex]) to Cesium-124 ([tex]\( _{55}^{124} \text{Cs} \)[/tex]) involves a change in the atomic number but not in the mass number. The atomic number decreases from 56 to 55, while the mass number remains 124.

2. Beta Decay Characteristics:
In beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus changes into a proton, and an electron (beta particle) is emitted. This type of decay is referred to as beta-minus (β⁻) decay:
- The atomic number of the element increases by 1 (because a neutron converts into a proton).
- The mass number remains the same (since a neutron is converted to a proton, and no nucleons are lost).

3. Reverse the Process for Beta-Minus Decay:
To attain Cesium-124 from Barium-124 with a decrease in atomic number by 1, an electron (beta particle) must have been emitted.
The emitted particle during this type of decay is represented as:

[tex]\[ _{-1}^{0} \text{e} \][/tex]

4. Balancing the Nuclear Equation:
By emitting this beta particle, the reaction maintains the balance in mass and charge:

[tex]\[ _{56}^{124} \text{Ba} \rightarrow \, _{55}^{124} \text{Cs} + _{-1}^{0} \text{e} \][/tex]

### Final Answer:
The particle that completes the nuclear equation is:

[tex]\[ _{-1}^{0} \text{e} \][/tex]

Thus, the correct answer is:

[tex]\[ \boxed{\,_{-1}^{0} \text{e}\,} \][/tex]

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