World of Chemistry
World of Chemistry
7th Edition
ISBN: 9780618562763
Author: Steven S. Zumdahl
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin College Div
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Chapter 19, Problem 7STP
Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The balanced nuclear equation of P91234a to produce a beta particle has to be written.

Concept introduction: The decay of nucleus by emitting a beta (e-) particle is called as beta emission. In beta emission, one neutron of the original nucleus decays to form a beta particle and a proton. Due to which, the new nucleus formed has one more proton and one fewer neutron than the original nucleus.

The general equation is given as,

  XZAe10+Y(Z+1)A

Expert Solution & Answer
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Answer to Problem 7STP

The balanced nuclear equation for P91234a to produce a beta particle is,

  P91234ae10+U92234

Explanation of Solution

The decay of nucleus by emitting a beta (e-) particle is called as beta emission. In beta emission, one neutron of the original nucleus decays to form a beta particle and a proton. Due to which, the new nucleus formed has one more proton and one fewer neutron than the original nucleus.

The general equation is given as,

  XZAe10+Y(Z+1)A

Where,

  • A is the mass number.
  • Z is the atomic number.
  • X is the original isotope.
  • Y is the new isotope.

Protactinium (P91234a) has an atomic number of 91 and mass number 234.

Mass number: Since a beta particle does not have any mass, the masses of the new particle and the original particle are 234.

Atomic number: Since beta emission converts a neutron to a proton, the new nucleus formed will have one more proton than the original nucleus, 91=-1+x. Therefore, the atomic number of newly formed nucleus will be 92.

From the periodic table, the element with atomic number of 92 is identified as uranium.

Protactinium (P91234a) undergoes beta emission to form a beta particle and uranium whose atomic number is 92 and mass number 234. The balanced nuclear equation is written as,

  P91234ae10+U92234

Conclusion

In beta emission, the atomic number of the original isotope is increased by one to form a new isotope and the mass number remains the same. The balanced nuclear equation for P91234a to produce a beta particle is,

  P91234ae10+U92234

Chapter 19 Solutions

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