Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 16: Problem 7

Suppose \({ }_{20}^{40} \mathrm{Ca}\) is the product of a beta-emission nuclear reaction. What was the parent isotope?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The parent isotope of \(_{20}^{40}\text{Ca}\) after a beta-emission nuclear reaction is \(_{19}^{40}\text{K}\) (potassium-40).

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Beta Emission

In a beta-emission nuclear reaction, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton, and an electron (called beta particle) is emitted. This results in an increase in the atomic number (number of protons) by 1, while the mass number (sum of protons and neutrons) remains constant.
02

Identify the mass number (A) and atomic number (Z) of the product isotope

From the given product isotope, we have: \(_{\text{Z}}^{\text{A}}\text{Element}\), which is \(\(_{20}^{40}\text{Ca}\)\). Here, the atomic number Z = 20 and the mass number A = 40.
03

Determine the atomic number (Z) of the parent isotope

Since beta-emission causes an increase in the atomic number by 1, we can determine the atomic number of the parent isotope by subtracting 1 from the atomic number of the product isotope: Parent atomic number \(=\text{Z}-1=20-1=19\)
04

Determine the mass number (A) of the parent isotope

The mass number of the parent isotope remains constant during beta-emission. Therefore, the mass number of the parent isotope is the same as the product isotope, which is A = 40.
05

Identify the parent isotope

With an atomic number of 19 and a mass number of 40, the parent isotope is \(_{19}^{40}\text{K}\) (potassium-40).

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

The magnesium isotope \({ }_{12}^{25} \mathrm{Mg}\) is the daughter isotope created when a radioactive parent isotope undergoes positron emission. What is the full symbol for the parent isotope?

The thorium isotope \({ }_{90}^{232}\) Th is radioactive and decays by ejecting two protons and two neutrons from its nucleus. (a) Where is this atom likely to lie in the band of stability? (b) Write a nuclear reaction for this decay process. (c) Which type of decay is this?

Rubidium- 87, a beta emitter, is a product of positron emission. (a) Identify the parent nucleus of \({ }^{87} \mathrm{Rb}\). (b) When the parent nucleus named in part (a) decays, does the \(\mathrm{n} / \mathrm{p}\) ratio increase or decrease?

Suppose you discovered a new radioactive decay mode for which the daughter had a mass number seven lower than the parent, and was three places to the left of the parent in the periodic table. What particle(s) would the parent nucleus have to eject to accomplish such a decay?

Explain the difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free