All the stable isotopes of boron, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine are shown in the accompanying chart (in red), along with their radioactive isotopes with t1>2 7 1 min (in blue). (b) Which radioactive isotopes are most likely to decay by beta emission? [Sections 21.2, 21.4, and 21.5]

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Identify the radioactive isotopes from the chart (highlighted in yellow).

Recall that beta emission occurs when a neutron is converted into a proton, emitting a beta particle (electron) and an antineutrino.

Determine which isotopes have a neutron-to-proton ratio that is higher than the stable isotopes, as these are more likely to undergo beta emission to achieve stability.

Compare the neutron-to-proton ratios of the radioactive isotopes with those of the stable isotopes.

Select the radioactive isotopes with higher neutron-to-proton ratios as the ones most likely to decay by beta emission.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Isotopes

Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. This difference in neutron count results in varying atomic masses. Stable isotopes do not undergo radioactive decay, while unstable isotopes are radioactive and can decay into other elements or isotopes over time.

Beta Emission

Beta emission is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (an electron or positron) is emitted from an atomic nucleus. This process occurs when a neutron is transformed into a proton, increasing the atomic number of the element while keeping the mass number constant. It is a common decay mode for isotopes that are neutron-rich.

Half-Life

Half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay. It is a crucial concept in understanding the stability and decay rates of isotopes. The half-lives of isotopes can vary widely, from fractions of a second to thousands of years, influencing their applications in fields such as medicine and archaeology.

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Textbook Question

The accompanying graph illustrates the decay of ⁸⁸₄₂Mo, which decays via positron emission. (c) What fraction of the original sample of ⁸⁸₄₂Mo remains after 12 min? [Section 21.4]

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Textbook Question

The accompanying graph illustrates the decay of ⁸⁸₄₂Mo, which decays via positron emission. (d) What is the product of the decay process? [Section 21.4]

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Textbook Question

Indicate the number of protons and neutrons in the following nuclei: (b) 193Tl.

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Textbook Question

Indicate the number of protons and neutrons in the following nuclei: (c) neptunium-237.

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