Chapter 20, Problem 2E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The type of radioactive decay that has net effect of changing neutron to proton and proton to neutron needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Radioactive decays are process of converting unstable atomic nucleus to smaller stable fragments. This happens only when there is imbalance of number of protons and neutrons in atomic nucleus releasing energy in the form of radiation. These radiations are mostly alpha, beta and gamma. Alpha particles have two neutrons and two protons. Beta decay will occur causing conversion of proton to neutron or neutron to protons. Whereas in gamma ray emission, there is loss or gain of electrons or neutrons.