Chapter 17, Problem 90E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The nuclear series of equations in which $\text{Al-27}$ reacts with a neutron and the product obtained undergoes an alpha decay followed by a beta decay is to be written.

Concept introduction:

The equations representing the changes that take place during radioactivity and other nuclear processes are called nuclear equations.

The nuclear equation should be balanced just like the chemical equations.

In a balanced nuclear equation, the sum of the atomic numbers and mass numbers on both sides of a nuclear equation should be equal.

The atom undergoing nuclear disintegration is called parent nuclide and the products obtained are called daughter nuclide.

The bombardment of neutron on nucleus increases the mass number by unit one.

The identity and symbol of the daughter nuclide formed by an alpha decay can be deduced from the atomic and mass numbers of their parent nuclide.

In an alpha decay, nucleus emits a particle with mass number 4 and atomic number 2 which is equivalent to helium nucleus. Thus, in an alpha decay, the mass number decreases by 4 and the atomic number decreases by 2. In a beta decay, nucleus emits an electron. During a beta decay, the mass number remains the same as electron has no protons or neutrons but atomic number increases by 1 as electron carries one unit of negative charge.

The symbols of neutron, alpha particle, and beta particle are ${}_{\text{0}}^{\text{1}}{\text{n, }}_{\text{2}}^{\text{4}}\text{He}$, and ${}_{\text{-1}}^{\text{0}}\text{e}$, respectively.