Chapter U1.15, Problem 5E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for no change in the mass number when beta particle is emitted needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Beta particle is _-1e⁰. In a nuclear reaction, total mass number of reactants is equal to total mass number of products. Similarly, total atomic number of reactants is equal to total atomic number of products.

Answer to Problem 5E

As beta particle has no mass number so when beta particle is emitted there is no change in mass number of the daughter element takes place.

Explanation of Solution

Decay of ₆C¹⁴ can be taken as an example.

${}_6{C}^{14}{\to }_7{N}^{14}{+}_{-1}{e}^0$

From the equation, it is clear that total mass number in both the side is 14.

Thus, in beta decay there is no mass number change due to having 0 mass number of beta particle.

Conclusion

Beta particle has no mass and so there is no change in the mass number in beta particle emission.