What new element is formed when 40K decays by B- emission? Is the new element formed likely to be stable? Why or why not? New element formed: OA. Likely to be stable B. Likely to be unstable

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...
icon
Related questions
Question
**Decay of Potassium-40 (^(40)K):**

**Question:**  
What new element is formed when \(^{40}\text{K}\) decays by β⁻ emission? Is the new element formed likely to be stable? Why or why not?

**New element formed:**  
[Text box for user's response]

**Options:**

- \(\bigcirc\) A. Likely to be stable
- \(\bigcirc\) B. Likely to be unstable

---

**Explanation:**

When Potassium-40 (\(^{40}\text{K}\)) undergoes beta (β⁻)-decay, it emits a beta particle (an electron) and forms a new element in the process. This decay process increases the atomic number of the original element by one while keeping the atomic mass number the same. The resulting element from the beta decay of \(^{40}\text{K}\) is Calcium-40 (\(^{40}\text{Ca}\)).

**Beta Decay Equation:**

\[
^{40}_{19}\text{K} \rightarrow \,^{40}_{20}\text{Ca} + \beta^- + \overline{\nu}_e
\]

- \(^{40}_{19}\text{K}\) is Potassium-40.
- \(^{40}_{20}\text{Ca}\) is Calcium-40.
- \(\beta^-\) is the emitted beta particle (electron).
- \(\overline{\nu}_e\) is the emitted antineutrino.

**Stability Analysis:**

To determine whether the newly formed Calcium-40 is stable or not, we consider its position on the nuclear stability chart. Calcium-40 is a stable isotope with 20 protons and 20 neutrons, making it a doubly magic nucleus, which are particularly stable configurations in nuclear physics.

**Answer:**

- \(\bigcirc\) A. Likely to be stable

Therefore, the new element (Calcium-40) formed after the β⁻-decay of Potassium-40 is likely to be stable.
Transcribed Image Text:**Decay of Potassium-40 (^(40)K):** **Question:** What new element is formed when \(^{40}\text{K}\) decays by β⁻ emission? Is the new element formed likely to be stable? Why or why not? **New element formed:** [Text box for user's response] **Options:** - \(\bigcirc\) A. Likely to be stable - \(\bigcirc\) B. Likely to be unstable --- **Explanation:** When Potassium-40 (\(^{40}\text{K}\)) undergoes beta (β⁻)-decay, it emits a beta particle (an electron) and forms a new element in the process. This decay process increases the atomic number of the original element by one while keeping the atomic mass number the same. The resulting element from the beta decay of \(^{40}\text{K}\) is Calcium-40 (\(^{40}\text{Ca}\)). **Beta Decay Equation:** \[ ^{40}_{19}\text{K} \rightarrow \,^{40}_{20}\text{Ca} + \beta^- + \overline{\nu}_e \] - \(^{40}_{19}\text{K}\) is Potassium-40. - \(^{40}_{20}\text{Ca}\) is Calcium-40. - \(\beta^-\) is the emitted beta particle (electron). - \(\overline{\nu}_e\) is the emitted antineutrino. **Stability Analysis:** To determine whether the newly formed Calcium-40 is stable or not, we consider its position on the nuclear stability chart. Calcium-40 is a stable isotope with 20 protons and 20 neutrons, making it a doubly magic nucleus, which are particularly stable configurations in nuclear physics. **Answer:** - \(\bigcirc\) A. Likely to be stable Therefore, the new element (Calcium-40) formed after the β⁻-decay of Potassium-40 is likely to be stable.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Discovery of Radioactivity
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
Recommended textbooks for you
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781259911156
Author:
Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305577213
Author:
Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9780078021558
Author:
Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305079373
Author:
William L. Masterton, Cecile N. Hurley
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781118431221
Author:
Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. Bullard
Publisher:
WILEY