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Chapter 19: Problem 3

Which type of radioactive decay has the net effect of changing a neutron into a proton? Which type of decay has the net effect of turning a proton into a neutron?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The type of radioactive decay that has the net effect of changing a neutron into a proton is Beta decay (β-), represented by the equation: \(n \to p + e^{-} + \bar{\nu_e}\) The types of radioactive decay that have the net effect of turning a proton into a neutron are Positron emission (β+) and Electron capture, represented by the equations: \(p \to n + e^{+} + \nu_e\) (Positron emission) \(p + e^{-} \to n + \bar{\nu_e}\) (Electron capture)

Step by step solution

01

Review Types of Radioactive Decay

There are several types of radioactive decay: Alpha decay, Beta decay, Gamma decay, Positron emission, and Electron capture. We will focus on Beta decay, Positron emission, and Electron capture, as they involve transformations between protons and neutrons directly.
02

Beta Decay (β-)

Beta decay (β-) is the process in which a neutron is converted into a proton by emitting an electron (and an electron antineutrino). This results in an increase in the atomic number by 1. The decay can be represented by the following equation: \(n \to p + e^{-} + \bar{\nu_e}\) Here, 'n' represents a neutron, 'p' a proton, \(e^-\) an electron, and \(\bar{\nu_e}\) an electron antineutrino.
03

Positron Emission (β+)

Positron emission (β+) is the process in which a proton is converted into a neutron by emitting a positron (and an electron neutrino). This results in a decrease in the atomic number by 1. The decay can be represented by the following equation: \(p \to n + e^{+} + \nu_e\) Here, 'p' represents a proton, 'n' a neutron, \(e^+\) a positron, and \(\nu_e\) an electron neutrino.
04

Electron Capture

Electron capture is the process in which a proton captures an electron from an inner electron shell of the atom, transforming itself into a neutron. This results in a decrease in the atomic number by 1. The decay can be represented by the following equation: \(p + e^{-} \to n + \bar{\nu_e}\) Here, 'p' represents a proton, 'n' a neutron, \(e^-\) an electron, and \(\bar{\nu_e}\) an electron antineutrino.
05

Identify Decay Types for Proton and Neutron Conversion

Now that we have reviewed the relevant types of radioactive decay, we can identify which ones meet our criteria. 1. The type of radioactive decay that has the net effect of changing a neutron into a proton is Beta decay (β-), as seen in the equation: \(n \to p + e^{-} + \bar{\nu_e}\) 2. The types of radioactive decay that have the net effect of turning a proton into a neutron are Positron emission (β+) and Electron capture, as seen in the equations: \(p \to n + e^{+} + \nu_e\) (Positron emission) \(p + e^{-} \to n + \bar{\nu_e}\) (Electron capture)

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Estimate the temperature needed to achieve the fusion of deuterium to make an \(\alpha\) particle. The energy required can be estimated from Coulomb's law [use the form \(E=9.0 \times 10^{9}\) \(\left(Q_{1} Q_{2} / r\right)\), using \(Q=1.6 \times 10^{-19} \mathrm{C}\) for a proton, and \(r=2 \times\) \(10^{-15} \mathrm{~m}\) for the helium nucleus; the unit for the proportionality constant in Coloumb's law is \(\left.\mathrm{J} \cdot \mathrm{m} / \mathrm{C}^{2}\right]\).

The most significant source of natural radiation is radon- \(222 .\) \({ }^{222} \mathrm{Rn}\), a decay product of \({ }^{238} \mathrm{U}\), is continuously generated in the earth's crust, allowing gaseous Rn to seep into the basements of buildings. Because \({ }^{222} \mathrm{Rn}\) is an \(\alpha\) -particle producer with a relatively short half-life of \(3.82\) days, it can cause biological damage when inhaled. a. How many \(\alpha\) particles and \(\beta\) particles are produced when \({ }^{238} \mathrm{U}\) decays to \({ }^{222} \mathrm{Rn}\) ? What nuclei are produced when \({ }^{222} \mathrm{Rn}\) decays? b. Radon is a noble gas so one would expect it to pass through the body quickly. Why is there a concern over inhaling \({ }^{222} \mathrm{Rn}\) ? c. Another problem associated with \({ }^{222} \mathrm{Rn}\) is that the decay of \({ }^{222} \mathrm{Rn}\) produces a more potent \(\alpha\) -particle producer \(\left(t_{1 / 2}=3.11\right.\) min) that is a solid. What is the identity of the solid? Give the balanced equation of this species decaying by \(\alpha\) -particle production. Why is the solid a more potent \(\alpha\) -particle producer? d. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that \({ }^{222} \mathrm{Rn}\) levels not exceed \(4 \mathrm{pCi}\) per liter of air \((1 \mathrm{Ci}=\) 1 curie \(=3.7 \times 10^{10}\) decay events per second; \(1 \mathrm{pCi}=1 \times\) \(10^{-12} \mathrm{Ci}\). Convert \(4.0 \mathrm{pCi}\) per liter of air into concentrations units of \(^{222} \mathrm{Rn}\) atoms per liter of air and moles of \({ }^{222} \mathrm{Rn}\) per liter of air.

Which do you think would be the greater health hazard: the release of a radioactive nuclide of Sr or a radioactive nuclide of Xe into the environment? Assume the amount of radioactivity is the same in each case. Explain your answer on the basis of the chemical properties of \(\mathrm{Sr}\) and Xe. Why are the chemical properties of a radioactive substance important in assessing its potential health hazards?

Radioactive copper-64 decays with a half-life of \(12.8\) days. a. What is the value of \(k\) in \(\mathrm{s}^{-1}\) ? b. A sample contains \(28.0 \mathrm{mg}^{64} \mathrm{Cu}\). How many decay events will be produced in the first second? Assume the atomic mass of \({ }^{64} \mathrm{Cu}\) is \(64.0 .\) c. A chemist obtains a fresh sample of \({ }^{64} \mathrm{Cu}\) and measures its radioactivity. She then determines that to do an experiment, the radioactivity cannot fall below \(25 \%\) of the initial measured value. How long does she have to do the experiment?

In each of the following radioactive decay processes, supply the missing particle. a. \({ }^{73} \mathrm{Ga} \rightarrow{ }^{73} \mathrm{Ge}+\) ? b. \(^{192} \mathrm{Pt} \rightarrow{ }^{188} \mathrm{Os}+?\) c. \({ }^{205} \mathrm{Bi} \rightarrow{ }^{205} \mathrm{~Pb}+?\) d. \({ }^{241} \mathrm{Cm}+? \rightarrow{ }^{241} \mathrm{Am}\)
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