Chapter 6, Problem 12STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The nuclear decay equation for the beta decay of iodine -131 needs to be written.

Concept introduction:

Nuclear decay takes place when nucleus of an atom is not stable and emits energy spontaneously in the radiation form. The result of this decay is that the change of nucleus occurs into nucleus of other elements. These daughter nuclei forms possess lower mass and their stability is more than the parent nucleus.

Answer to Problem 12STP

The nuclear decay equation for the beta decay of iodine -131 is,

$I\to Xe+e+v$

Explanation of Solution

In beta decay, a neutrons decays into a proton and emits an electron and an antineutrino. The result is the increase of +1 in atomic number.

The equation of beta decay is,

$I\to Xe+e+v$

Conclusion

In beta decay, +1 increase of beta decay takes place. So, the beta decay equation is,

$I\to Xe+e+v$