Interpretation: To compare the effect of mass number during an alpha and beta decay.
Concept Introduction: The process which involves the formation of more than one nuclide via a collision between two nuclei or between one nucleus and a subatomic particle, is known as a nuclear reaction.
Answer to Problem 6LC
In alpha decay, the mass number is decreased by four units while in beta decay, there is no change in the mass number.
Explanation of Solution
Alpha decay: The radiation that emits an alpha particle (Helium nuclei) is known as alpha radiation. An alpha particle comprises two protons and two neutrons and also consists of a double positive layer.
The chemical equation depicting alpha radiation is as follows:
From the above chemical equation, it is seen that in alpha decay, the
Beta decay: When an electron is formed that results from breaking a neutron, this electron is termed a beta particle. The neutron breaks into a proton and an electron is released in the beta radiation.
The chemical equation depicting beta radiation is as follows:
In beta decay, the atomic number of the product decreases by one while the mass number remains the same.
In alpha decay, the mass number is decreased by four units while in beta decay, there is no change in the mass number.
Chapter 25 Solutions
Chemistry 2012 Student Edition (hard Cover) Grade 11
- ChemistryChemistryISBN:9781305957404Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCostePublisher:Cengage LearningChemistryChemistryISBN:9781259911156Author:Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby ProfessorPublisher:McGraw-Hill EducationPrinciples of Instrumental AnalysisChemistryISBN:9781305577213Author:Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. CrouchPublisher:Cengage Learning
- Organic ChemistryChemistryISBN:9780078021558Author:Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.Publisher:McGraw-Hill EducationChemistry: Principles and ReactionsChemistryISBN:9781305079373Author:William L. Masterton, Cecile N. HurleyPublisher:Cengage LearningElementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind...ChemistryISBN:9781118431221Author:Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. BullardPublisher:WILEY