Chapter 4, Problem 89A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The balanced nuclear equation when the Boron-10 emits alpha particle and cesium-137 beta particle needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

An atom comes under the radioactive decay for the stability. When the alpha particle is emitted, the atomic number and atomic mass change by two and four unit respectively from the original nucleus. When beta particle is emitted from an atom, increase in the atomic number by one unit takes place.

Answer to Problem 89A

The product formed after the emission of alpha particle from the boron-10 is lithium and the barium is the product of cesium-137 after beta decay.

Explanation of Solution

The alpha particle radiation of boron-10 is

${ }_5{B}^{10}{\to }_{3}L{i}^6{+}_{2}H{e}^4$

The atomic number is decreases by two units and atomic mass is decreases by four units.

The beta particle is emitted from cesium-137

${ }_{55}C{s}^{137}{\to }_{56}B{a}^{137}{+}_{-1}{e}^0$

In the beta radiation, there is only change in the atomic number from the original element and atomic mass remain same.

Conclusion

So, by these nuclear radiations, new product is formed with different atomic number and different atomic mass as in reaction number 1.

The second one is representing the change in atomic number but the atomic mass remains the same.