Americium-241 undergoes radioactive decay to produce neptunium-237. Which particle needs to be added to this equation to show that the total numbers of neutrons and protons are not changed by the reaction?​

alpha particle needs to be added to the equation.

Explanation:

Given;

atomic mass of Americium = 241

atomic mass of neptunium = 237

The difference in atomic mass of the radioactive elements given is calculated as;

241 - 237 = 4

The particle with atomic mass of 4 is alpha particle usually represented with helium atom.

Am²⁴¹ > He⁴ + Np²³⁷

Thus, alpha particle needs to be added to the equation.

4/2 HE

Explanation:

a p e x!

neutrons are in the middle of the atom and the electrons, which are much smaller.