Chapter 10, Problem 10A.1BST

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The nuclide produced when electron captured by iron-55 has to be identified and the nuclear reaction has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Electron capture is one process that unstable atoms can use to become more stable.  During electron capture, an electron in an atoms inner shell is drawn into the nucleus where it combines with a proton forming a neutron and a neutrino.  The neutrino is ejected from the atoms nucleus

  ${}_{\text{Z}}{\text{X}}^{\text{A}}{\text{+}}_{\text{-1}}{\text{e}}^{\text{0}}{\stackrel{}{\to }}_{\text{Z-1}}{\text{X}}^{\text{A}}$

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The nuclide produced when positron emission by carbon-11 has to be identified and the nuclear reaction has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Positron emission or ${\text{β}}^{\text{+}}$ decay is a type of radioactive decay called beta decay, in which a proton inside a radioactive nucleus is converted into neutron while releasing a positron and an electron neutrino.  Positron emission is mediated by the weak force.

  ${}_{\text{Z}}{\text{X}}^{\text{A}}\text{+}{\stackrel{}{\to }}_{\text{Z-1}}{\text{X}}^{\text{A}}{\text{+}}_{\text{+1}}{\text{e}}^{\text{0}}$