Chapter 10, Problem 10A.6E

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The balanced nuclear reaction for the alpha decay of francium-221 has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Alpha decay reaction:

Alpha decay is one process that unstable atoms can use to become more stable.  During alpha decay, an atoms nucleus sheds two protons and two neutrons in a packet that is known as an alpha particle.

  ${}_{\text{Z}}{\text{X}}^{\text{A}}{\stackrel{}{\to }}_{\text{Z-2}}{\text{X}}^{\text{A-4}}{\text{+}}_{\text{2}}{\text{α}}^{\text{4}}$

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The balanced nuclear reaction for the alpha decay of radon-212 has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Refer to part (a).

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The balanced nuclear reaction for the beta decay of actinium-228 has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Beta decay reaction:

Beta particles are electrons (electrons with positive electric charge).  Beta decay occurs when in a nucleus with too many protons or too many neutrons, one of the protons or neutrons is transformed into the other.

  ${}_{\text{Z}}{\text{X}}^{\text{A}}{\stackrel{}{\to }}_{\text{Z+1}}{\text{X}}^{\text{A}}{\text{+}}_{\text{+1}}{\text{e}}^{\text{0}}$

(d)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The balanced nuclear reaction for the electron capture by protactinium has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Electron capture is one process that unstable atoms can use to become more stable.  During electron capture, an electron in an atoms inner shell is drawn into the nucleus where it combines with a proton forming a neutron and a neutrino.  The neutrino is ejected from the atoms nucleus

  ${}_{\text{Z}}{\text{X}}^{\text{A}}{\text{+}}_{\text{-1}}{\text{e}}^{\text{0}}{\stackrel{}{\to }}_{\text{Z-1}}{\text{X}}^{\text{A}}$