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An element of atomic number 83 in a relatively higher energy state decays radioactively to an element of atomic number 84 with lower energy level. This must include an a emission

An element of atomic number 83 in a relatively higher energy state decays radioactively to an element of atomic number 84 with lower energy level. This must include an a emission

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**Understanding Radioactive Decay: An Example Problem** **Problem Statement:** An element of atomic number 83 in a relatively higher energy state decays radioactively to an element of atomic number 84 with a lower energy level. This must include: **Possible Answers:** 1. ○ an α emission 2. ○ a γ emission 3. ○ a β & γ emission 4. ○ a β emission Understanding this problem involves analyzing the types of radioactive decay and emission. Here's a breakdown of the types of emissions: - **α emission (alpha decay):** In alpha decay, an element emits an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons), resulting in a decrease in the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4. - **γ emission (gamma decay):** In gamma decay, the nucleus emits a gamma ray, which is a form of electromagnetic radiation. This type of decay does not change the atomic number or mass number but simply releases energy as the nucleus shifts to a lower energy state. - **β emission (beta decay):** In beta decay, a neutron converts into a proton and an electron, with the electron being emitted as a beta particle. This process increases the atomic number by 1 while the mass number remains unchanged. Considering the problem, since the atomic number increases from 83 to 84, this indicates the emission must be a type of decay that increases the atomic number by one (β decay). However, the energy states suggest that there might also be a gamma emission involved. Therefore, the correct solution to this problem must include both β and γ emissions, resulting in the selected answer: 3. ○ a β & γ emission. This problem highlights the relationship between radioactive decay processes and the changes they cause in atomic number and energy states.
Transcribed Image Text:**Understanding Radioactive Decay: An Example Problem** **Problem Statement:** An element of atomic number 83 in a relatively higher energy state decays radioactively to an element of atomic number 84 with a lower energy level. This must include: **Possible Answers:** 1. ○ an α emission 2. ○ a γ emission 3. ○ a β & γ emission 4. ○ a β emission Understanding this problem involves analyzing the types of radioactive decay and emission. Here's a breakdown of the types of emissions: - **α emission (alpha decay):** In alpha decay, an element emits an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons), resulting in a decrease in the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4. - **γ emission (gamma decay):** In gamma decay, the nucleus emits a gamma ray, which is a form of electromagnetic radiation. This type of decay does not change the atomic number or mass number but simply releases energy as the nucleus shifts to a lower energy state. - **β emission (beta decay):** In beta decay, a neutron converts into a proton and an electron, with the electron being emitted as a beta particle. This process increases the atomic number by 1 while the mass number remains unchanged. Considering the problem, since the atomic number increases from 83 to 84, this indicates the emission must be a type of decay that increases the atomic number by one (β decay). However, the energy states suggest that there might also be a gamma emission involved. Therefore, the correct solution to this problem must include both β and γ emissions, resulting in the selected answer: 3. ○ a β & γ emission. This problem highlights the relationship between radioactive decay processes and the changes they cause in atomic number and energy states.
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