Chapter 20.2, Problem 20.2.4SR

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The type of radioactive decay ${}^{\text{13}}\text{B}\text{and}{}^{\text{188}}\text{Au}$ most likely undergo should be explained.

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.

$\text{β}$particle emission:

Nuclei have high neutron to proton ratio above the belt of stability than those within the belt. So to lower this ratio nuclei will undergo $\text{β}$ emission. This emission leads to an increase in number of protons in a nucleus and simultaneous decrease in number of neutrons.

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.