Answer:
[tex]_{91}^{233}\textrm{Pa}[/tex]
Explanation:
In a nuclear reaction, the total mass and total atomic number remains the same. It is mentioned that the a alpha particle, [tex]^4_2\textrm{He}[/tex] is being emitted.
For the given fission reaction:
[tex]^{237}_{93}\textrm{Np}\rightarrow ^A_Z\textrm{X}+^4_2\textrm{He}[/tex]
To calculate A:
Total mass on reactant side = total mass on product side
237 = A + 4
A = 233
To calculate Z:
Total atomic number on reactant side = total atomic number on product side
93 = Z + 2
Z = 91
Hence, the isotopic symbol of unknown element is [tex]_{91}^{233}\textrm{Pa}[/tex]
