How do I figure out the complete nuclear equation for the bombardent of a 9Be atom with an a particle to yield 12B

Answer 1

The atomic numbers (protons) and atomic mass (protons + neutrons) must add up on both sides of the equation.

⁹₄Be ==> ¹²₅B so we must add 3 to the top (mass) and 1 to the bottom (protons)

We can do this if we add an alpha particle (⁴₂He) to the left side and hydrogen (¹₁H) to the right side

⁹₄Be + ⁴₂He ==> ¹²₅B + ¹₁H