Chapter 17, Problem 91E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

In nuclear series of equations of $\text{Np-237}$, the number of an alpha and beta particles is to be determined.

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

The symbols of the neutron, an 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.