Chapter 24, Problem 40A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether the conversion of actinium-230 to Thorium-230 is an alpha or beta decay needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

To keep the radioisotopes stable, both the neutrons and the protons number must be decreased in alpha decay. These powerful nuclei often decay by releasing alpha particles. In beta decay to keep the radioisotopes stable, increases its atomic number by one and mass number remains same.

Answer to Problem 40A

Thorium-230 is produced via the radioactive decay of actinium-230 is an example of beta decay.

Explanation of Solution

Any radioisotope which undergoes beta decay increases its atomic number by one and mass number remains same while in alpha decay loses two protons and reduces mass number by 4.

Radioactive decay of actinium-230 produces thorium-230. In this decay the mass number of both thorium and actinium remains same and atomic number is increases by one. So, it is beta decay.

$\text{A}\text{c}\to \text{T}\text{h}+\text{e}$

Conclusion

The result of beta decay is that an unstable nucleus gains a proton and emits an electron.