Chapter 20, Problem 20.38SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

We have to show the 2 possible pathways to show how $Tc$ decays to $Mo$

Concept Introduction:

We see that the nuclear decay process is one where the product nuclei has atomic number 1 less than the starting nuclei while the mass number does not change. There are 2 decays that give rise to such products:

Positron emissions are processes that occur when a nucleus emits a particle with same mass as electron but has a positive charge.
On the other hand 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.