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Chapter 16: Problem 53

True or false? Radioactive decay ends up changing the elemental identity of the isotope undergoing decay. Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
True. Radioactive decay changes the elemental identity of the isotope undergoing decay, as it involves a change in the number of protons within the atomic nucleus, affecting the atomic number and the elemental identity. Examples include alpha decay, which decreases the atomic number by 2, and beta decay, which increases the atomic number by 1.

Step by step solution

01

Understand radioactive decay

Radioactive decay is a process in which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation, such as alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. This process leads to the formation of a new atom with a different number of protons and neutrons than the original atomic nucleus.
02

Determine the effect on the elemental identity

The elemental identity of an atom is determined by the number of protons present in its nucleus, which is also known as the atomic number. During radioactive decay, the atomic nucleus undergoes a transformation that may cause a change in the number of protons. For instance, in alpha decay, the nucleus emits an alpha particle which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, resulting in a decrease in the atomic number of the original nucleus by 2. In beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton, increasing the atomic number of the original nucleus by 1.
03

Conclude if the statement is true or false

Since radioactive decay involves a change in the number of protons within the atomic nucleus, which affects the atomic number and thus the elemental identity, we can conclude that the statement is true. Radioactive decay does end up changing the elemental identity of the isotope undergoing decay.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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