What particle is produced by the decay of uranium-239 to neptunium-239?

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Identify the type of decay process involved in the transformation from uranium-239 to neptunium-239.

Recognize that uranium-239 (U-239) is transformed into neptunium-239 (Np-239) by a change in the atomic number.

Understand that the atomic number increases by 1, indicating a beta decay process.

In beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton, and a beta particle (an electron) is emitted.

Conclude that the particle produced in this decay is a beta particle (\(\beta^-\)).

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Key Concepts

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

Nuclear Decay

Nuclear decay is a 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. Understanding nuclear decay is essential for predicting the products of radioactive isotopes, such as uranium-239, as they transform into more stable elements.

Beta Decay

Beta decay is a specific type of radioactive decay in which a neutron in the nucleus is transformed into a proton, emitting a beta particle (an electron or positron) and an antineutrino. This process increases the atomic number of the element by one, leading to the formation of a new element. In the case of uranium-239, beta decay results in the production of neptunium-239.

Isotopes

Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different atomic masses. Uranium-239 and neptunium-239 are isotopes of uranium and neptunium, respectively. Understanding isotopes is crucial for grasping the behavior of elements during nuclear reactions and decay processes.

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