Chapter 10, Problem 10A.5E

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The balanced nuclear reaction for the beta decay of boron -12 has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Beta decay reaction:

Beta particles are electrons or positrons (electrons with positive electric charge).  Beta decay occurs when in a nucleus with too many protons or too many neutrons, one of the protons or neutrons is transformed into the other.

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

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The balanced nuclear reaction for the alpha decay of bismuth-214 has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Alpha decay reaction:

Alpha decay is one process that unstable atoms can use to become more stable.  During alpha decay, an atoms nucleus sheds two protons and two neutrons in a packet that is known as an alpha particle.

  ${}_{\text{Z}}{\text{X}}^{\text{A}}{\stackrel{}{\to }}_{\text{Z-2}}{\text{X}}^{\text{A-4}}{\text{+}}_{\text{2}}{\text{α}}^{\text{4}}$

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The balanced nuclear reaction for the beta decay of technetium-98 has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Refer to part (a).

(d)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The balanced nuclear reaction for the alpha decay of radium-226 has to be given.

Concept Introduction:

Refer to part (b).