Chapter 7, Problem 11STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The product needs to be identified when lutetium-176 goes through nuclear decay.

Concept introduction:

Lutetium is a rare-earth element that can be used to speed up to the chemical reactions involved in the petroleum processing.

Answer to Problem 11STP

The product is hafnium-176.

Explanation of Solution

Radioactive isotope gives off some small particles and it forms more stable nuclei when the isotope goes through nuclear decay. Lutetium-176 undergoes beta decay to form beta particle and hafnium-176 isotope. The equation is as follows:

$\text{L}\text{u}\to \text{H}\text{f}{\text{+}}_{-1}^{}\text{e}$

Conclusion

The product is hafnium-176 when lutetium-176 undergo nuclear decay.

$\text{L}\text{u}\to \text{H}\text{f}{\text{+}}_{-1}^{}\text{e}$