Chapter 4.4, Problem 29SSC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:  A table for each type of radiation affecting the atomic number and the mass number of an atom should be created.

Concept introduction:  The number of protons in an atom identifies it as an atom of a particular element because it is equal to the atomic number of the element.

Mass number is referred to as the total number of protons and neutrons in a nucleus.

Radiation is the rays and particles emitted by the radioactive material.

Answer to Problem 29SSC

Particle	Atomic number	Mass number
$\alpha$	-2	-4
$\beta$	+1	No charge
$\gamma$	No charge	No charge

Explanation of Solution

Particle	Atomic number	Mass number
$\alpha$	-2	-4
$\beta$	+1	No charge
$\gamma$	No charge	No charge

Alpha radiation: An alpha particle is emitted in this nuclear disintegration. It occurs with isotopes of radioactive elements such as radium, radon, uranium and thorium.

The mass number in alpha decay is 4 and the atomic number is 2.

An example of alpha decay is given below:

$U\to He{+}_{90}^{234}Th$.

Beta radiation: Beta particle decay is also known as beta ray or beta radiation. It is a high-speed, high-energy electron or positron. The electron or positron is emitted by the radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus during the process of beta decay.

$Th\to e+Pa$

Gamma radiation: A gamma decay is a penetrating electromagnetic radiation arising from the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei.

$U\to He{+}_{90}^{234}Th+2\gamma$.

Conclusion

A table for each type of radiation affecting the atomic number and the mass number of an atom is given above.