Question

How do you complete and balance nuclear equations?

Answer 1

In the field of nuclear physics and chemistry the nuclear reaction takes place where two nuclear particles or the nuclei undergoes collision with each other in order to produce the products of the reactant which are different from the reactant particles.
The reaction could take place between more than two particles but such reactions are very rare in nature.

Complete answer:
In order to understand how completion and balancing of the nuclear equation works, we need to consider some of the common definitions. First, isotopes, which are the atoms which have different numbers of neutrons but the same number of protons. Meaning, the element would be the same, just the atomic mass would be different in each isotope.
For instance, carbon is known to exist as three isotopes, namely $C-12$, $C-13$, $C-14$. All three of them have the same number of protons, which is six, but the number of neutrons are different. If in any case the number of protons changes, the element wouldn’t remain carbon. We will write the number of neutrons of each of these isotopes of carbon. The $C-12$ has a number of protons six, which is the same as the number of neutrons. In case of $C-13$ the number of neutrons is seven, while in case of $C-14$ the number of neutrons is eight.
Since we are discussing nuclear reactions, it is necessary to know about the radioactive nucleus. It could be defined as the nucleus which emits energy spontaneously or vigorously. It takes place by itself without any external energy being provided to it. Many of the isotopes with heavy nuclei undergo this process naturally in order to gain a stable nucleus. This breaking down of the nucleus can be written in the form of reactions called nuclear reactions.
Balancing of the nuclear reactions requires the sum of the isotopic masses of the elements, equal on either side of the reaction equation, along with the sum of the atomic numbers.

Note: The nuclear reactions are the type of reactions which occur due to the breakdown, or addition of the nucleus of an atom, or more than one atom, in order to form a new stable element with a stable nuclei.
Balancing these reaction equations requires making the sum of atomic masses and sum of atomic numbers equal on both the sides.