Textbook Question
Write the balanced nuclear equation for the reaction represented by the diagram shown here. [Section 21.2]
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Ch.21 - Nuclear Chemistry
Chapter 21, Problem 5a
The steps below show three of the steps in the radioactive decay chain for 23290Th. The half-life of each isotope is shown below the symbol of the isotope. (a) Identify the type of radioactive decay for each of the steps (i), (ii), and (iii). [Sections 21.2 and 21.4]
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Identify the initial isotope and its decay product for step (i). The initial isotope is ^{232}_{90}Th and the decay product is ^{228}_{88}Rn.
Step 2: Determine the type of decay for step (i). Since the atomic number decreases by 2 and the mass number decreases by 4, this indicates an alpha decay.
Step 3: Identify the initial isotope and its decay product for step (ii). The initial isotope is ^{228}_{88}Rn and the decay product is ^{228}_{89}Ac.
Step 4: Determine the type of decay for step (ii). Since the atomic number increases by 1 and the mass number remains the same, this indicates a beta decay.
Step 5: Identify the initial isotope and its decay product for step (iii). The initial isotope is ^{228}_{89}Ac and the decay product is ^{228}_{90}Th. Determine the type of decay for step (iii). Since the atomic number increases by 1 and the mass number remains the same, this indicates a beta decay.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Radioactive Decay
Radioactive decay is the process by which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation. This decay can occur in various forms, including alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay, each involving the transformation of the nucleus and the release of particles or electromagnetic radiation. Understanding the type of decay is crucial for predicting the behavior of radioactive isotopes over time.
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03:00
Rate of Radioactive Decay
Half-Life
The half-life of a radioactive isotope is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay. This concept is fundamental in nuclear chemistry as it helps in determining the stability of isotopes and the rate at which they decay. Each isotope has a unique half-life, which can range from fractions of a second to billions of years, influencing its applications in fields like dating and medical treatments.
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Decay Chain
A decay chain, or radioactive series, is a sequence of decays that a radioactive isotope undergoes until it reaches a stable end product. Each step in the chain involves the transformation of one isotope into another, often with different half-lives and decay types. Understanding decay chains is essential for predicting the behavior of radioactive materials and their potential impacts on health and the environment.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
In the sketch below, the red spheres represent protons and the gray spheres represent neutrons. (c) Based on its atomic number and mass number, do you think the product nucleus is stable or radioactive? [Section 21.3]
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Textbook Question
The steps below show three of the steps in the radioactive decay chain for 23290Th. The half-life of each isotope is shown below the symbol of the isotope. (d) The next step in the decay chain is an alpha emission. What is the next isotope in the chain? [Sections 21.2 and 21.4]
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Textbook Question
The accompanying graph illustrates the decay of 8842Mo, which decays via positron emission. (a) What is the halflife of the decay? [Section 21.4]
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Textbook Question
The accompanying graph illustrates the decay of 8842Mo, which decays via positron emission. (b) What is the rate constant for the decay? [Section 21.4]