Chapter 4, Problem 87A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The relation between energy loss and nuclear stability with radioactive decay needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

The energy required to bind the protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

In the nucleus of an atom if change in number of subatomic particles takes place this change requires energy. The atomic number and atomic mass also changes due to this change. When a heavy nuclei breaks down into smaller nuclei the energy losses to gain the nuclear stability. When this energy is releasedin the form of radiation, it is called radioactive decay.

Answer to Problem 87A

The heavy nucleus is radioactive in nature. The radioactive atoms are unstable so they undergo radioactive decay, where the nucleus energy is lost and stability is gained.

Explanation of Solution

• All nuclei are composed of two particles, neutrons and protons. They are equal in size and different in electrical charge. They together are known as nuclide. The nuclides contain odd number of protons and neutrons are less stable than nuclides with even number of protons and neutrons.
• The nuclear stability means that the nucleus of atom has tendency to decay. When nuclide emit some kind of radiation, that is radioactive decay.

Conclusion

Every nucleus of an atom is stable when they are in lower energy state. The isotopes of elements are unstable and decompose through releasing high energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation. So the higher nucleus losing its energy in the form of radiation is known as radioactive decay.