Chapter 19, Problem 4A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Isotopes needs to be explained.

Concept introduction: In a nuclear reaction, unstable nuclide disintegrates into stable nuclide with emission of various radiations spontaneously. It is called radioactivity of nucleus. Emission of rays like alpha, beta and gamma rays occur in the process which changes the identity of nucleus.

During a nuclear change, an element undergoes change in its atomic mass or atomic number or both by emission of charged particles such as beta particle, alpha particle. Beta particle is one that has unit negative charge and alpha particle is one that has 2 unit positive charges and is equivalent to helium atom ${}_2^4\text{He}$ . Emission of proton, beta particle, alpha particle causes a change in atomic number of element.

Answer to Problem 4A

Isotopes are identified as elements those have same atomic numbers and different mass numbers. Such as ${}_6^{12}\text{C}\&{}_6^{13}\text{C}$ .

Explanation of Solution

Isotopes are identified as elements those have same atomic numbers and different mass numbers. They only differ in count of neutron particles. Such as ${}_6^{12}\text{C}\&{}_6^{13}\text{C}$ are 2 isotopes of carbon, out of which due to stability, the former is more abundant. Both possess same Z, only differ in A.

Conclusion

Isotopes are identified as elements those have same atomic numbers and different mass numbers. Such as ${}_6^{12}\text{C}\&{}_6^{13}\text{C}$ .