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Chapter 21: Problem 87

Describe, with appropriate equations, nuclear processes that lead to the formation of the noble gases He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, and Rn. (Hint: Helium is formed from radioactive decay, neon is formed from the positron emission of \({ }^{22} \mathrm{Na}\), the formation of \(\mathrm{Ar}\), Xe, and \(\mathrm{Rn}\) are discussed in the chapter, and \(\mathrm{Kr}\) is produced from the fission of \(\left.{ }^{235} \mathrm{U} .\right)\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
Helium is formed through alpha decay. Neon is formed from positron emission by \(^{22}Na\). Argon is formed through beta decay of Potassium-40. Krypton is formed from the fission of \(^{235}U\). Xenon is formed by neutron capture, followed by beta decay. Radon is formed by the natural radioactive decay of Uranium and Thorium.

Step by step solution

01

Formation of Helium

Helium is formed from the radioactive decay of heavier elements. The alpha decay of heavier radioactive elements such as Uranium and Thorium emits alpha particles. An alpha particle is identical to a helium-4 atom, hence leads to the formation of Helium.
02

Formation of Neon

Neon is formed from the positron emission of \(^{22}Na\). In this process, a proton in the sodium atom converts into a neutron, a positron, and a neutrino. The positron then quickly annihilates with an electron, and their combined energy results in two gamma photons. Then, the neutrinos are able to escape, leading to the transformation of Sodium into Neon.
03

Formation of Argon

Argon is primarily formed from the decay of Potassium-40, a process discussed in the chapter. The Potassium-40 undergoes beta decay and transforms into Argon-40.
04

Formation of Krypton

Krypton isotopes are produced from the fission of Uranium-235. When a neutron strikes the nucleus of Uranium-235 atom, it causes the nucleus to split into two smaller fragments along with the release of few neutrons. One of those fragments can be a Krypton isotope.
05

Formation of Xenon

Xenon, discussed in the chapter, is primarily formed through a process called neutron capture, followed by a beta decay in fission product precursors.
06

Formation of Radon

Radon is formed by the natural radioactive decay of Uranium and Thorium. Uranium and Thorium decay by alpha emission to form Radon.

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