Chapter 20: Problem 111

Have each group member study a different mode of radioactive decay (alpha, beta, gamma, positron emission, or electron capture) and present it to the group. Each presentation should include a description of the process, a description of how the atomic and mass numbers change, and at least one specific example. Presentations should also address the questions: What do all types of nuclear reactions have in common, and how do they differ from each other?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Each group member studies a different decay mode and prepares a presentation that includes the decay process, the atomic and mass number changes, a specific example, and addresses the commonalities and differences among all types of nuclear reactions.

Step by step solution

Assigning Research Topics

Divide the group into members and assign each member a different mode of radioactive decay to study: alpha decay, beta decay, gamma radiation, positron emission, or electron capture.

Researching the Decay Modes

Each group member should research their assigned mode of decay. They should understand and be ready to explain the process itself, how it affects the atomic and mass numbers of the atom, and provide a specific example of an isotope that undergoes this decay.

Preparing the Presentation

Each group member prepares a presentation that includes a detailed explanation of their decay mode, changes in atomic and mass numbers during the decay, and at least one specific example of an isotope undergoing this decay.

Presenting to the Group

Each member presents their findings to the group, ensuring that they clearly explain the decay process, the changes to atomic and mass numbers, and their specific example.

Discussing Commonalities and Differences

After all presentations, the group discusses what all types of nuclear reactions have in common, such as the release of energy and the transformation of one element into another. They also explore how these reactions differ, for instance, in the type of emitted radiation and changes in atomic and mass numbers.

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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 where an unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons, essentially a helium-4 nucleus.

When alpha decay occurs, the original atom loses four units from its atomic mass number because of the emitted alpha particle. Consequently, the atomic number also decreases by two, transforming the atom into a different element. For example, Uranium-238 undergoes alpha decay to form Thorium-234, simultaneously releasing an alpha particle.

Atomic number changes: Decreases by 2
Mass number changes: Decreases by 4
Specific Example: Uranium-238 to Thorium-234

Beta Decay

Beta decay is a process where a radioactive nucleus transmutes into another element by emitting a beta particle. There are two types of beta decay: beta-minus and beta-plus.

In beta-minus decay, a neutron turns into a proton and emits an electron, called a beta-minus particle. The atomic number increases by one, with no change in mass number, since a neutron is replaced by a proton. A classic example is Carbon-14 decaying to Nitrogen-14.

In beta-plus decay, a proton is converted into a neutron with the emission of a positron, known as a beta-plus particle. This process decreases the atomic number by one. An example is Nitrogen-13 decaying to Carbon-13.

Atomic number changes: Increases by 1 for beta-minus decay; decreases by 1 for beta-plus decay
Mass number changes: Remains the same
Specific Example: Carbon-14 to Nitrogen-14 (beta-minus); Nitrogen-13 to Carbon-13 (beta-plus)

Gamma Radiation

Gamma radiation is a form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted from a nucleus during radioactive decay, typically accompanying alpha or beta decay.

Unlike alpha or beta decay, gamma radiation does not alter the mass number or atomic number of the emitting atom. Instead, it only carries away excess energy. Thus, the element remains the same before and after gamma emission.

Gamma rays are highly penetrative and require thick lead or concrete shielding for protection. Cobalt-60 is an isotope that, upon decay, emits gamma rays along with other particles.

Atomic number changes: Remains the same
Mass number changes: Remains the same
Specific Example: Cobalt-60 decay with gamma emission

Positron Emission

Positron emission is a radioactive decay process involving the emission of a positron, the antimatter counterpart of an electron, from the nucleus.

During this process, one of the protons in the nucleus is transformed into a neutron, causing the atomic number to decrease by one while keeping the mass number constant. Positron emission is considered a form of beta decay (beta-plus decay). An example is the transformation of Sodium-22 to Neon-22 through positron emission.

Atomic number changes: Decreases by 1
Mass number changes: Remains the same
Specific Example: Sodium-22 to Neon-22

Electron Capture

Electron capture is a process in which an inner shell electron is captured by the nucleus and combines with a proton to form a neutron, emitting a neutrino in the process.

This results in a decrease in the atomic number by one, but like positron emission, the mass number does not change. Electron capture is a competing process to positron emission, particularly in nuclei where a positron emission would require too much energy. A common example of electron capture is Potassium-40 converting to Argon-40.

Atomic number changes: Decreases by 1
Mass number changes: Remains the same
Specific Example: Potassium-40 to Argon-40

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Short Answer

Step by step solution

Assigning Research Topics

Researching the Decay Modes

Preparing the Presentation

Presenting to the Group

Discussing Commonalities and Differences

Key Concepts

Alpha Decay

Beta Decay

Gamma Radiation

Positron Emission

Electron Capture

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