What particle is produced in each of the following decay reactions? (b)

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Identify the type of decay reaction given in the problem. Common types include alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay.

For beta decay, determine if it is beta-minus (β-) or beta-plus (β+) decay. Beta-minus decay involves the conversion of a neutron into a proton, while beta-plus decay involves the conversion of a proton into a neutron.

Write the nuclear equation for the decay process. For beta-minus decay, the equation is: \( _Z^A X \rightarrow _{Z+1}^{A} Y + \beta^- + \bar{\nu}_e \). For beta-plus decay, the equation is: \( _Z^A X \rightarrow _{Z-1}^{A} Y + \beta^+ + \nu_e \).

Identify the particle produced in the decay. In beta-minus decay, the particle is an electron (\( \beta^- \)) and an antineutrino (\( \bar{\nu}_e \)). In beta-plus decay, the particle is a positron (\( \beta^+ \)) and a neutrino (\( \nu_e \)).

Verify the conservation of charge and mass number in the nuclear equation to ensure it is balanced.

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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 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, each resulting in the transformation of the original nucleus into a different element or isotope. Understanding the type of decay is crucial for predicting the particles produced.

Alpha Particles

Alpha particles are a type of radiation consisting of two protons and two neutrons, essentially a helium nucleus. They are emitted during alpha decay, a common form of radioactive decay for heavy elements. The emission of alpha particles decreases the atomic number of the original element by two, resulting in a new element.

Beta Particles

Beta particles are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted during beta decay. In beta minus decay, a neutron is transformed into a proton, emitting an electron and an antineutrino, while in beta plus decay, a proton is converted into a neutron, emitting a positron and a neutrino. This process changes the atomic number of the element, leading to the formation of a different element.