Chapter 25.8, Problem 3.2ACP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The process by which decomposition of Rb-87 occurs has to be predicted.

Concept introduction:

• In alpha decay, there will be lose of $He$ nucleus in which mass number decreases by four and atomic number decreases by two.
• In beta decay, there will be a lose of electron from nucleus (neutron turns into proton): there will be no change in mass number and atomic number increases by one.
• In gamma emission, there will not be any change in, either atomic number or mass number.
• A positron is like an electron with a positive charge and during positron emission a proton changes into a neutron and excess positive charge is emitted.
• Electron capture converts a proton to a neutron.