Chapter 18, Problem 69QAP

Interpretation Introduction

(a)

Interpretation:

Whether the following statement is true or false should be identified.

Mass number increases in beta emission.

Concept introduction:

A reaction in which a nucleus of an atom or two nuclei and a subatomic particle collide to form one or more nuclide which is different from the starting nuclide is known as nuclear reaction. Nuclear reactions can be classified as nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.

Interpretation Introduction

(b)

Interpretation:

Whether the following statement is true or false should be identified.

Radioactive species with a large rate constant (k) decays very slowly.

Concept introduction:

Activity is defined as the product of rate constant and number of atoms. It is also defined as the rate of decay or expresses number of atoms decays in unit time.

The mathematical expression is given by:

$\text{A = kN}$

Where, A = activity, k = first order rate constant and N = number of radioactive nuclei.

Interpretation Introduction

(c)

Interpretation:

Whether the following statement is true or false should be identified.

Fusion gives off less energy per gram of fuel than fission.

Concept introduction:

A reaction in which a nucleus of an atom or two nuclei and a subatomic particle collide to form one or more nuclide which is different from the starting nuclide is known as nuclear reaction. Nuclear reactions can be classified as nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.