a) Explain the significance of the binding energy of an isotope. b) Use the data to explain why potassium-42 is a beta minus emitter but potassium-39 cannot undergo beta minus decay.
a) Explain the significance of the binding energy of an isotope. b) Use the data to explain why potassium-42 is a beta minus emitter but potassium-39 cannot undergo beta minus decay.
Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
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a) Explain the significance of the binding energy of an isotope.
b) Use the data to explain why potassium-42 is a beta minus emitter but potassium-39 cannot undergo beta minus decay.

Transcribed Image Text:The table shows two isotopes of potassium and two isotopes of calcium.
39K
42K
Stable
B-decay
38.96371
41.9624
19
19
23
42.34797
0.38557
5.76 x 10-11
Type of emission
Mass of neutral atom / u
Number of electrons
Number of protons
Number of neutrons
Total mass / u
Mass defect / u
Binding energy / J
Mass of the electron = 0.000549 u
Mass of the proton = 1.007276 u
Mass of the neutron = 1.008665 u
39 Ca
B+ decay
38.9707
42Ca
stable
41.95863
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