Chapter 20, Problem 20.39SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

We have to write balanced nuclear reactions for alpha decay, beta decay and electron capture for $Ac$

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.
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.