Chapter 16, Problem 1TE

To determine

The reason of a sample of radium always being a little warmer than its surrounding.

Answer to Problem 1TE

The radium is always a little warmer than its surrounding because it emits radio active elements.

Explanation of Solution

A radioactive substance is always a little warmer than its surroundings because it decays; it releases scattering alpha or beta elements that expose internal energy to the atoms.

These substances break down into smaller constituents and disappear into various forms of energy. During this breakdown, energy is discharged in the form of heat.

The atomic number and the atomic mass number are always conserved in all nuclear equations.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the radium always a little warmer than its surrounding because it emits radio active elements.