Write balanced nuclear equations for the following processes: (c) krypton-76 undergoes positron emission.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the initial isotope: Krypton-76 is represented as \( ^{76}_{36}\text{Kr} \).
2. Understand positron emission: In positron emission, a proton in the nucleus is converted into a neutron, and a positron (\( \beta^+ \)) is emitted.
3. Determine the new element: Since a proton is converted into a neutron, the atomic number decreases by 1, changing the element from krypton (Kr) to bromine (Br).
4. Write the nuclear equation: The equation for the process is \( ^{76}_{36}\text{Kr} \rightarrow ^{76}_{35}\text{Br} + \beta^+ \).
5. Ensure mass and charge balance: Check that the sum of mass numbers and atomic numbers are equal on both sides of the equation.

Key Concepts

Nuclear Reactions

Nuclear reactions involve changes in an atom's nucleus and can result in the transformation of one element into another. These reactions include processes such as alpha decay, beta decay, and positron emission. Understanding the type of nuclear reaction is crucial for writing balanced nuclear equations, as it dictates how the atomic and mass numbers change.

Positron Emission

Positron emission is a type of beta decay where a proton in the nucleus is converted into a neutron, releasing a positron (the antimatter counterpart of an electron) and a neutrino. This process decreases the atomic number of the element by one while keeping the mass number unchanged. Recognizing this transformation is essential for accurately balancing the nuclear equation.

Balancing Nuclear Equations

Balancing nuclear equations requires ensuring that both the atomic numbers and mass numbers are conserved during the reaction. This means that the sum of the atomic numbers and the sum of the mass numbers on the reactant side must equal those on the product side. Mastery of this principle is vital for correctly representing nuclear processes like positron emission.