Write a nuclear equation for the indicated decay of each nuclide. a. Po-210 (alpha) b. Ac-227 (beta)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of decay: Beta decay involves the transformation of a neutron into a proton, with the emission of a beta particle (an electron) and an antineutrino.
2. Write the initial nuclide: The nuclide given is Ac-227, which is Actinium with a mass number of 227 and an atomic number of 89.
3. Determine the product nuclide: In beta decay, the atomic number increases by 1 (since a neutron becomes a proton), but the mass number remains the same. Therefore, the new element will have an atomic number of 90.
4. Identify the new element: The element with atomic number 90 is Thorium (Th).
5. Write the nuclear equation: Represent the beta decay of Ac-227 as follows: \[ \text{^{227}_{89}Ac} \rightarrow \text{^{227}_{90}Th} + \text{^{0}_{-1}e} + \bar{\nu}_e \] where \( \text{^{0}_{-1}e} \) is the beta particle and \( \bar{\nu}_e \) is the antineutrino.

Key Concepts

Nuclear Decay

Nuclear decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. This can occur in various forms, including alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay. Each type of decay results in the transformation of the original nuclide into a different nuclide, often accompanied by the release of particles or electromagnetic radiation.

Beta Decay

Beta decay is a specific type of nuclear decay where a neutron in the nucleus is transformed into a proton, resulting in the emission of a beta particle (an electron or positron). This process increases the atomic number of the nuclide by one while keeping the mass number unchanged, leading to the formation of a new element. For example, in the case of Ac-227 undergoing beta decay, it transforms into a different element with an atomic number one higher.

Nuclear Equation

A nuclear equation represents the transformation of one nuclide into another during a nuclear reaction, showing the initial and final states of the nucleus along with any emitted particles. It is typically written in the form of a balanced equation, where the sum of atomic numbers and mass numbers on both sides must be equal. For beta decay, the equation will include the original nuclide, the emitted beta particle, and the resulting nuclide.