Chapter 20, Problem 114RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The kind of decay that produces ${}^{234}\text{Ac}$ from ${}^{234}\text{Th}$ is to be identified.

Concept Introduction:

In nuclear reactions, the nucleus of an atom either combines or breaks down to form the nucleus of other atoms. Nuclear emission may occur in the form of alpha emission, beta emission, or positron emission.

Positrons are the antiparticles of electrons that are emitted by synthetic isotopes. They have the same mass as that of an electron, but a positive charge instead of negative.