Chapter 20, Problem 20.8QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The $\text{β -}$ particle $\text{emmision}$ and the positron emission alter the nucleus should be explained briefly.

Concept introduction:

Alpha ( $\alpha$) particle: It consist of two protons and two neutrons bound together into a particle identical to a helium ( ${}^4{\text{He}}_2$) nucleus.

Alpha decay: it is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha ( $\alpha$) particle

${\text{β}}^{+}$decay  (positron) emission:

Unstable atomic nuclei with an excess of proton may undergo ${\text{β}}^{+}$ decay.

It’s popularly called as positron ( ${\text{β}}^{+}$) emission.

$\text{p }\to {\text{n + e}}^{\text{+}}{\text{ + ν}}_{\text{e}}$

Here proton is converted into a neutron, a positron, and an electron neutrino.

Neutron is a subatomic particle, and it’s denoted as ${\text{n}}^1{}_0$.

Neutron contains no net electric charge and mass slightly larger than proton.

Proton and neutrons constitute the nuclei.

Nuclear Belt of Stability:

Most elements have isotopes and by plotting we can identify whether isotope is stable or not

 The plot shows only the stable isotopes, this graph is often called the Nuclear Belt of Stability. The plot indicates that lighter nuclides (isotopes) are most stable when the neutron/proton ratio is 1/1.

If the n/p ratio could not maintain by the isotope then it said to be unstable.

 Isotopes are different kind of atoms of the same element which have the same number of proton, but differ in the neutrons and different mass number.

To determine: The $\text{β -}$ particle $\text{emmision}$ and the positron emission alter the nucleus explained