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Chapter 2: Problem 65

A sample of a uranium compound is found to be losing mass gradually. Explain what is happening to the sample.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The uranium compound is losing mass due to the process of radioactive decay, more specifically by emitting alpha particles hence transforming into a lighter element.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Radioactive Decay

The uranium compound is showing properties of radioactive decay. Radioactive decay refers to the process by which an unstable nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. The radiation can be in the form of alpha particles, beta particles or gamma rays. This emission causes the atom to lose mass and generally transform into a different element.
02

Identifying The Isotope

Uranium commonly has two isotopes, Uranium-238 and Uranium-235, that are naturally occurring and radioactive. Both undergo alpha decay, where they emit a Helium-4 nucleus (two protons and two neutrons) and transform into a different element.
03

Explaining the Process

In this case, the uranium compound is losing mass due to the continuous alpha decay. As the uranium atoms decay, they become atoms of a different element which is lighter, resulting in a reduction in the overall mass of the compound.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Alpha Decay
Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay wherein an atomic nucleus ejects an alpha particle, which is essentially a helium-4 nucleus composed of two protons and two neutrons. Imagine each uranium atom as an unstable house that, due to structural issues, has to throw out one of its heavier furniture pieces, the alpha particle.

Through this process, the unstable parent uranium atom loses some of its mass and transforms into a new atom, starting a journey to become more stable. In a uranium-laden mineral, over time, many alpha particles are released, leading to a measurable loss of mass from the sample.
Uranium Isotopes
Uranium isotopes, particularly Uranium-238 and Uranium-235, are the stars of radioactive decay stories. Isotopes are like different flavors of the same element, having the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

These isotopes are naturally occurring and provide insight into the age of rocks and bygone life forms through techniques like radiometric dating. Their inherent instability tickles them into releasing alpha particles, thus slowly transforming into other elements bit by bit, which is why we often find them in the act of natural radioactive decay.
Nuclear Transformation
Nuclear transformation occurs during the alpha decay process, wherein the shedding of an alpha particle from a nucleus results in the formation of a completely new atom. This is comparable to a caterpillar metamorphosing into a butterfly. As Uranium atoms undergo alpha decay, they morph into different elements lower in atomic number in the periodic table, taking on new properties and leaving behind their old uranium identity.

This transformation is key to understanding the lifecycle of elements and is a fundamental concept in nuclear physics, also proving crucial in fields ranging from astrophysics to energy production.
Radioactive Emissions
Radioactive emissions include alpha particles, as well as other emissions like beta particles and gamma rays. These emissions are types of nuclear radiation that come from the breakdown of an unstable atom and are like the various sounds a piano can make – each one distinct and significant in its own right.

Alpha particles, being relatively massive and positively charged, are typecast to travel only a short distance and are easily stopped by barriers. Safety measures are important when handling radioactive materials, as these emissions can be harmful to living tissue, emphasizing the need to understand and respect the power and energy of atoms.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

One isotope of a metallic element has mass number 65 and 35 neutrons in the nucleus. The cation derived from the isotope has 28 electrons. Write the symbol for this cation.

Name the types of radiation known to be emitted by radioactive elements.

One isotope of a nonmetallic element has mass number 127 and 74 neutrons in the nucleus. The anion derived from the isotope has 54 electrons. Write the symbol for this anion.

Write the names and symbols for four elements in each of the following categories: (a) nonmetal, (b) metal, (c) metalloid.

A monatomic ion has a charge of \(+2 .\) The nucleus of the parent atom has a mass number of \(55 .\) If the number of neutrons in the nucleus is 1.2 times that of the number of protons, what is the name and symbol of the element?
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