Chapter 4, Problem 82A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The alpha particle, beta particle and gamma ray needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Alpha particle, beta particle, and gamma ray are the types of radioactive decay. In these radioactive decay, the change in the number of protons or number of neutrons of the radioactive atoms takes place.

Answer to Problem 82A

The alpha particles decay in an atom takes place when the numbers of proton or neutron change by two and four units respectively.

When the atomic number increases by one unit then it undergoes beta decay.

In gamma rays, there is no change in the atomic number as well as atomic mass takes place.

Explanation of Solution

The alpha radiation is the only single type of radiation where the atomic number and the atomic mass changes. Simply, an alpha decay is common mode of radioactive decay in which a nucleus emits an alpha particle which is He atom with +2 charge or no electrons.

The example of an alpha decay is represented as follows:

₃₂U²³⁸→₂He⁴ + ₉₀Th²³⁴

Beta particle is simply high energy electron that emits from the nucleus of a radioactive atom. Beta particle, when the protons stay in the nucleus, increasing the atomic number of the atom by one. The example of beta decay is represented as follows:

 &emsp ₉₀Th²³⁸→_-1e ⁰ + ₉₁Pa^{2 3 4}

Gamma rays are the higher energy emission where the mass and the charge is neutral. Gamma radiation term is used when the emission of higher energy photons. Gamma radiation make nucleus stable.

Conclusion

The alpha, beta and gamma ray simply give the information about the radioactive decay done by the nucleus of a radioactive atom. This decay is important for the atom stability. These are different from each other.