Open Question
An element of atomic number 88 decays radioactively to an element of atomic number 82.
21. Nuclear Chemistry
Beta Decay
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In the nuclear reaction ¹⁰⁶C → ¹⁰⁵B + ⁰₊₁e, which type of decay is occurring?
A
Gamma emission
B
Beta decay
C
Alpha decay
D
Positron emission
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the particles involved in the nuclear reaction: ¹⁰⁶C is the parent nucleus, ¹⁰⁵B is the daughter nucleus, and ⁰₊₁e is the emitted particle.
Understand the notation: ⁰₊₁e represents a positron, which is a particle with the same mass as an electron but with a positive charge.
Recognize the type of decay: Positron emission occurs when a proton in the nucleus is converted into a neutron, releasing a positron (⁰₊₁e) in the process.
Analyze the change in atomic number: The atomic number decreases by 1 (from 6 to 5) because a proton is converted into a neutron, which is characteristic of positron emission.
Conclude the type of decay: Since the reaction involves the emission of a positron, it is classified as positron emission, not gamma emission, beta decay, or alpha decay.
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