Chapter 1, Problem 1.101SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The number of alpha and beta particle emitted during the given reaction has to be calculated.

Concept introduction:

Beta Decay:

• Beta decay is the emission of an electron and the simultaneous conversion of a neutron into a proton in the nucleus.  So increase the atomic number by one.
• When the beta emission takes place, a neutron is converted to a proton and the atomic number increases.

${}_{\text{6}}^{\text{14}}\text{C}\to \text{N}\text{+}\text{e}$

Alpha Decay:

• The nuclear disintegration process that emits alpha particles is called alpha decay. An example of a nucleus that undergoes alpha decay is ${}^{\text{238}}\text{U}$.  The alpha decay of ${}^{\text{238}}\text{U}$
• Alpha Decay: ${}_{\text{92}}^{\text{238}}\text{U}\to \text{H}\text{e}\text{+}\text{T}\text{h}$