What does X represent for this transmutation?

96242Cm + X→ 98245Cf + 01n

gamma
+10e
24He
−10e

 24He

Explanation:

When a nuclide is bombarded with alpha particles, we notice an increase in its mass and charge since an alpha particle has a mass of four and a charge of +2. recall that nuclear equations must be balanced. That is, the masses and charges on the left hand six and the right hand side of the nuclear reaction equation must be exactly the same.

Looking at the nuclear reaction at hand, the total mass on the left hand side has to be 246 while the total charge on the left hand side of the equation will be 98. Coming over to the right hand side, the total masses are also found to be the same as a neutron with no charge and a mass of 1 is produced. Hence the nuclear reaction equation is balanced when an alpha particle (helium nucleus) is substituted for X in the equation.