Write a nuclear equation for the indicated decay of each nuclide. c. Pb-214 (beta)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of decay: Beta decay involves the conversion of a neutron into a proton, emitting a beta particle (an electron) and an antineutrino.
2. Write the initial nuclide: Lead-214 (Pb-214) is represented as \( ^{214}_{82}\text{Pb} \).
3. Determine the change in atomic number: In beta decay, the atomic number increases by 1 because a neutron is converted into a proton.
4. Write the resulting nuclide: The new element will have an atomic number of 83, which is Bismuth (Bi). The mass number remains the same, so the resulting nuclide is \( ^{214}_{83}\text{Bi} \).
5. Write the nuclear equation: \( ^{214}_{82}\text{Pb} \rightarrow ^{214}_{83}\text{Bi} + \beta^- \), where \( \beta^- \) represents the beta particle (electron).

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. In beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus is transformed into a proton, resulting in the emission of a beta particle (an electron or positron) and an increase in the atomic number of the element.

Beta Decay

Beta decay is a specific type of nuclear decay where a beta particle is emitted from an atomic nucleus. In the case of beta-minus decay, a neutron is converted into a proton, increasing the atomic number by one while the mass number remains unchanged. This process transforms the original element into a different element, which is crucial for writing the nuclear equation.

Nuclear Equations

Nuclear equations represent the transformation of one nuclide into another during radioactive decay. They are written in a specific format, showing the initial nuclide, the emitted particles, and the resulting nuclide. For beta decay, the equation will include the original nuclide, the emitted beta particle, and the new nuclide formed after the decay, ensuring that both mass and charge are conserved.