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Chapter 18: 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
Beta-minus (β-) decay has the net effect of changing a neutron into a proton, while beta-plus (β+) decay or positron emission has the net effect of turning a proton into a neutron.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the decay that changes a neutron into a proton

There are different types of radioactive decay, and one type is called beta (β) decay, more specifically, beta-minus (β-) decay. In beta-minus decay, a neutron is changed into a proton. This type of decay involves the emission of an electron (e-) and an antineutrino (\(\bar{\nu}\)). An example of this type of decay is: \[n \rightarrow p + e^{-} + \bar{\nu}\] In this equation, n (neutron) changes into p (proton) by emitting an electron (e-) and an antineutrino (\(\bar{\nu}\)). Therefore, beta-minus decay changes a neutron into a proton.
02

Identify the decay that changes a proton into a neutron

Now, we want to identify the type of radioactive decay that changes a proton into a neutron. This type is called beta-plus (β+) decay or positron emission. In beta-plus decay, a proton is changed into a neutron. This type of decay involves the emission of a positron (e+) and a neutrino (ν). An example of this type of decay is: \[p \rightarrow n + e^{+} + \nu\] In this equation, p (proton) changes into n (neutron) by emitting a positron (e+) and a neutrino (ν). Therefore, beta-plus decay changes a proton into a neutron.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Calculate the binding energy per nucleon for \(\frac{2}{1} \mathrm{H}\) and \(^{3}_{1}\) \(\mathrm{H}\). The atomic masses are \(\frac{2}{1} \mathrm{H}, 2.01410 \mathrm{u} ;\) and \(\frac{3}{1} \mathrm{H}, 3.01605 \mathrm{u}\)

Write an equation describing the radioactive decay of each of the following nuclides. (The particle produced is shown in parentheses, except for electron capture, where an electron is a reactant.) a. \(\frac{3}{1} \mathrm{H}(\beta)\) b. \(\frac{8}{3} L i(\beta \text { followed by } \alpha)\) c. \(^{7}_{4}\) Be (electron capture)d. \(^{8}_{5} B\) (positron)

A chemist wishing to do an experiment requiring \(^{47} \mathrm{Ca}^{2+}\) (half-life \(=4.5\) days) needs \(5.0 \mu \mathrm{g}\) of the nuclide. What mass of \(^{47} \mathrm{CaCO}_{3}\) must be ordered if it takes \(48 \mathrm{h}\) for delivery from the supplier? Assume that the atomic mass of \(^{47} \mathrm{Ca}\) is \(47.0 \mathrm{u}\)

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