Chapter 20, Problem 20.37SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

We have to write the nuclear reactions for the decay processes given in the question. So we have to write the product nuclei for each reaction and balance it.

Concept Introduction:

Alpha emission = In an alpha emission the mass number reduces by 4 and the atomic number reduces by 2 of the product nucleus. Alpha particle is generally denoted by $He$.
Beta emission = Beta decay is a process in which a nuclei emits a particle which has 0 mass but charge of an electron from it. So the mass number remains the same however the atomic number reduces by 1 for the new nucleus.
Positron emission = It is a process in which a nuclei emits a particle which has 0 mass but positive charge of an electron from it.The particle has equivalent charge of an electron but charge is positive. So the mass number remains the same however the atomic number increases by 1 for the new nucleus. Electron capture = Electron capture is a process where the nucleus absorbs an electron from the nearest lying orbital (K or L) and hence decreases its atomic number by 1.