Chapter 19.1, Problem 2RQ

a.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:The net change to atomic and mass number needs to be calculated for alpha particle production

Concept Introduction:Thechanging of atomic and mass numbers of an element in a nuclear reaction depends on the type of nuclear decay of the atom.

Answer to Problem 2RQ

In alpha particle production, the atomic number decreases by 2 and the mass number decreases by 4.

Explanation of Solution

Alpha particle is produced when an element undergoes alpha decay. The element releases an alpha particle from its nucleus which is a helium atom with z=2 and a=4, hence the atomic and mass numbers of the element get decreased by the subsequent values.

b.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The net change to atomic and mass number needs to be calculated for beta particle production

Concept Introduction:The changing of atomic and mass numbers of an element in a nuclear reaction depends on the type of nuclear decay of the atom.

Answer to Problem 2RQ

In beta particle production, the atomic number increases by 1 and the mass number remains the same.

Explanation of Solution

Beta particle is produced when an element undergoes negative beta decay. The element releases a beta particle from its nucleus which is an electron from a neutron with conversion of the neutron into proton, hence the atomic number increases by one due to increase in proton but the mass number remains same.

c.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The net change to atomic and mass number needs to be calculated for electron capture.

Concept Introduction:The changing of atomic and mass numbers of an element in a nuclear reaction depends on the type of nuclear decay of the atom.

Answer to Problem 2RQ

In electron capture, the atomic number decreases by 1 and the mass number remains same.

Explanation of Solution

In electron capture decay,the element accepts an electron into the nucleus which neutralizes the charge of a proton converting it into a neutron, hence the atomic number decreases by 1 due to decrease in proton and electron and mass remains unchanged.

d.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The net change to atomic and mass number needs to be calculated for positron particle production

Concept Introduction:The changing of atomic and mass numbers of an element in a nuclear reaction depends on the type of nuclear decay of the atom.

Answer to Problem 2RQ

In beta particle production, the atomic number decreases by 1 and the mass number remains the same.

Explanation of Solution

Positron particle is produced when an element undergoes positive beta decay. The element releases a positron particle from its nucleus which is a massless positively charged particle from a proton with conversion of the proton into neutron, hence the atomic number decreases by one due to decrease in proton but the mass number remains same.