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Chapter 10: Problem 8

What is the key difference and the key similarity between beta \(\left(\beta^{-}\right)\) decay and alpha decay?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The key similarity between beta-minus decay and alpha decay is that both are types of radioactive decay involving the emission of a particle from the nucleus of an unstable atom, resulting in the transformation of the original atom into a different element. The key difference lies in the particles emitted and the resulting change in the atomic number and mass number: beta-minus decay involves a neutron converting into a proton and an electron, increasing the atomic number while keeping the mass number unchanged; whereas, alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons), decreasing both the atomic number and the mass number of the element.

Step by step solution

01

Overview of Beta-Minus Decay

Beta-minus decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a neutron in the nucleus of an atom converts into a proton, an electron (also called beta particle), and an electron antineutrino. The electron and the electron antineutrino are emitted from the nucleus. This process results in an increase in the atomic number of the element while the mass number remains the same.
02

Overview of Alpha Decay

Alpha decay is another type of radioactive decay in which an unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle (which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons) resulting in a decrease in both the mass number and the atomic number of the element. An alpha particle is also a helium-4 nucleus.
03

Key Similarity

The key similarity between beta-minus decay and alpha decay is that both processes are types of radioactive decay. Both processes involve the emission of a particle from the nucleus of an unstable atom, resulting in the transformation of the original atom into a different element.
04

Key Difference

The key difference between beta-minus decay and alpha decay lies in the nature of the particles emitted and the resulting change in the atomic number and mass number of the element. In beta-minus decay, a neutron is converted into a proton and an electron, leading to an increase in the atomic number while the mass number remains the same. On the other hand, in alpha decay, an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons) is emitted, causing a decrease in both the atomic number and the mass number of the element.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

A sample of radioactive material is obtained from a very old rock. A plot \(\ln A\) verses \(t\) yields a slope value of \(-10^{-9} \mathrm{s}^{-1}\) (see Figure \(10.10(\mathrm{b})\) ). What is the half-life of this material?

(a) Write the complete \(\beta^{-}\) decay equation for \(^{90} \mathrm{Sr}\), a major waste product of nuclear reactors. (b) Find the energy released in the decay.

If a 1.50 -cm-thick piece of lead can absorb \(90.0 \%\) of the rays from a radioactive source, how many centimeters of lead are needed to absorb all but \(0.100 \%\) of the rays?

The \(\beta^{-}\) particles emitted in the decay of \(^{3} \mathrm{H}\) (tritium) interact with matter to create light in a glowin-the-dark exit sign. At the time of manufacture, such a sign contains \(15.0 \mathrm{Ci}\) of \(^{3} \mathrm{H}\). (a) What is the mass of the tritium? (b) What is its activity 5.00 y after manufacture?

Why does a chain reaction occur during a fission reaction?
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