Chapter 17, Problem 56E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

With the help of symbol representation, identify whether the symbol is alpha particle, beta particle, gamma ray, positron, a neutron, or a proton.

Concept Introduction:

To understand the radioactivity of heavy elements symbols for radioactive elements are used.

The main subatomic particles are proton $\left({}_1^1\text{p}\right)$, neutron ${}_0^1\text{n}$ and electron $\left({}_{-1}^0\text{e}\right)$

When a nucleus emits a small particle containing 2 protons and two neutrosn, such emission is known as alpha $\left(\alpha \right)$ radiation. The alpha particles are identical to helium-4 and represented by ${}_4^2\text{He}$.

When an atom emits an electron during a nuclear reaction, such emission is known as beta $\left(\beta \right)$ radiation emission and represented by ${}_{-1}^0\text{e}$.

When a higher energy photon is emitted during the nuclear reaction such emission is known as gamma ray decay.

Emission of positron from unstable nucleus is known as positron emission and represented by ${}_{+1}^0\text{e}$.