Chapter 22, Problem 22.46CHP

a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

In the given nuclear decay process, ${}^{\text{100}}\text{Tc}$ decays to form stable isotope ${}^{\text{100}}\text{Mo}$ in two possible pathways; the balanced equations has to be written.

Concept Introduction:

Nuclear reaction: In the nuclear reaction, fusion of two lighter nuclei to produce stable nuclei or the heavier nuclei splits into stable daughter nuclei generates the excess amount of energy.

Nuclear reaction equation: The balanced nuclear reaction should conserve both mass number and atomic number.

• The sum of the mass numbers of the reactants should be equal to the sum of mass numbers of the products in the reaction.
• The sum of atomic numbers (or the atomic charge) of the reactants should be equal to the sum of atomic numbers (or the atomic charge) of the products in the reaction.

b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The energy released in $\text{kJ/mol}$ in the given above nuclear decay process; and only one of the pathways is observed the reason has to be calculated.

Concept Introduction:

Nuclear fusion: A nuclear reaction in which a lighter nucleus fuse together spontaneously into new stable nuclei with the release of large amount of energy.

Energy released in nuclear fusion: The mass change of the reaction is calculated; and using Einstein mass-energy relation, $\Delta \text{E = }\Delta {\text{mc}}^2$