Chapter 24, Problem 35A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The term from the column A to the correct description in the column B needs to be matched.

Concept introduction:

Radioisotopes are isotopes of atoms of unstable nuclei. The process through which unstable nuclei discharge radiation to achieve more stable atomic configurations is called radioactive decay. Unstable atoms lose energy by discharging radiation in the time of radioactive decay.

Answer to Problem 35A

The table below represents the correct match from column A to column B.

Column A	Column B
a. alpha	2. 2+ charge, blocked easily
b. beta	high speed electrons
c. gamma	3.no charge, electromagnetic radiation

Explanation of Solution

1. The structure of an alpha( $\text{α}$ ) particle is similar to the helium nucleus. The symbol is given $\text{H}\text{e}$. The charge of an $\text{α}$-particle is 2+ due to the presence of the two protons.
2. A $\text{β}$ -particle is a very fast-moving electron which is discharged when a neutron is passed into a proton in an unstable nucleus. Beta particles are denoted by symbol $\text{β}$ or ${\text{e}}^{-}$. They have a $\text{1}-$ charge.
3. Gamma rays are photons, they are high-energy (short wavelength) electromagnetic radiation. They are represented by $\text{γ}$. Because photons have no mass and no charge, the atomic number or mass number of a nucleus, therefore, does not change with the transmission of $\text{γ}$rays.

Conclusion

The table below represents the correct match from column A to column B.

Column A	Column B
alpha	2. 2+ charge, blocked easily
beta	high speed electrons
gamma	3. no charge, electromagnetic radiation