Chapter 18, Problem 18E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Production of $\text{α}\text{and}\text{β}$ particles in the radioactive decay series of ${}^{247}\text{Bk}$ to end up as ${}^{207}\text{Pb}$ is given. The number of $\text{α}\text{and}\text{β}$ particles in the radioactive decay series is to be stated.

Concept introduction: Nuclei of radioactive element decompose in various ways. There are two major categories. One involves a change in mass number of the decaying nucleus, while others do not. Types of radioactive processes include $\text{α}$ particle production, $\text{β}$ particle production, $\text{γ}$ ray production, electron capture and many others. Electron capture decay involves the capturing of one of the inner orbitals electrons by the nucleus.

Beta particle production decay involves the production of beta particle ${(}_{-1}^{0}e)$ that is assigned mass number zero.

A helium nucleus ${}_2^4\text{He}$ is produced in the alpha decay process.

To determine: The number of $\text{α}\text{and}\text{β}$ particles produced in the radioactive decay process.