Chapter 24, Problem 39A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The gamma rays emission affects on the atomic number and mass number of the iridium needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

The type of radioactive decay that a particular radioisotope is undergoing depends to a large extent on the underlying causes for its instability. Atoms over the stability band generally have many neutrons to be stable, while atoms below the stability band tend to have several protons to be stable. Atoms can undergo different types of decay depending on the relative number of neutrons and protons present in it.

Answer to Problem 39A

As photons have no mass and no charge, hence the emission of gamma rays does not change atomic number or mass number of a nucleus. So, it does not affect the atomic and mass number of iridium.

Explanation of Solution

When a nucleus emits gamma particle, its atomic number and mass number remains same. Similarly, when a nucleus is exposed to gamma radiation, no change occurs in its proton number and mass. A gamma ray source will continue to discharge gamma rays for a long period of time. Hence, iridium used in material analysis can be reused again and again. So, it is a very cost effective flaw detection technique. Thus, gamma ray emission does not affect atomic and mass number of iridium.

Conclusion

Since, gamma rays are high frequency photon, they will not affect atomic or mass number.