/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 4 How are the mass and the atomic ... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 18: Problem 4

How are the mass and the atomic number of a nucleus affected by the loss of a beta particle?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Mass number remains the same; atomic number increases by 1.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the Particles Involved

Understand that a beta particle is an electron (with a negative charge) that is emitted from the nucleus during the process called beta decay.
02

Understand Beta Decay

In beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton and an electron. The electron (beta particle) is emitted from the nucleus.
03

Mass Number Analysis

The mass number (A) of the nucleus is the sum of protons and neutrons. Since a neutron is converted into a proton, there is no change in the total mass number. Thus, the mass number remains the same.
04

Atomic Number Analysis

The atomic number (Z), which is the number of protons in the nucleus, increases by 1 because a neutron is converted into a proton.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

atomic number
The atomic number is one of the fundamental properties of an atom. It is the number of protons present in the nucleus of an atom. This number determines the chemical element. For instance, an atom with 6 protons is always a carbon atom. When an atom undergoes beta decay, the atomic number changes.

During beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton. Since the atomic number is the count of protons, the increase of one proton causes the atomic number to increase by 1. So, if the original atom had an atomic number of 6 (Carbon), after beta decay, its atomic number would become 7.
mass number
The mass number of an atom is the total number of protons and neutrons in its nucleus. This is different from the atomic number which only counts protons. For example, a carbon atom with 6 protons and 6 neutrons has a mass number of 12.

In the process of beta decay, although a neutron is converted into a proton, the total count of protons and neutrons remains unchanged. Hence, the mass number does not change. This is crucial to understand as it shows why the mass of an atom remains the same even though its identity (atomic number) changes.
neutron-proton conversion
Neutron-proton conversion is the core process involved in beta decay. Inside the nucleus, a neutron (which is neutral) changes into a proton (which is positively charged). This transformation also produces an electron (beta particle) which is then emitted.

Let's break it down:
  • Neutron: Neutral charge.
  • Proton: Positive charge.
  • Electron: Negative charge.
This reaction also conserves the number of nucleons (neutrons + protons). So although the type of particles changes, their total count does not.
emission of beta particle
The emission of a beta particle is a significant event in beta decay. A beta particle is simply an electron that is emitted from the nucleus. This happens when a neutron turns into a proton and releases an electron.

This emitted electron is what we see as the beta particle. It's important to note that this electron was not originally present as an electron but was a part of the neutron. The emission carries away a small fraction of the energy, but this change is key to why the atomic number increases and helps maintain charge balance during the conversion process.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

The Th-232 disintegration series starts with \(\frac{232}{90} \mathrm{Th}\) and emits the following rays successively: \(\alpha, \beta, \beta, \alpha, \alpha, \alpha, \beta, \alpha, \beta, \alpha\). The series ends with the stable \({ }_{82}^{208} \mathrm{~Pb}\). Write the formula for each nuclide in the series.

The half-life of I-123 is 13 hours. If \(10 \mathrm{mg}\) of I-123 are administered to a patient, how much I-123 remains after 3 days and 6 hours?

Strontium-90 has a half-life of 28 years. If a \(1.00\)-mg sample was stored for 112 years, what mass of Sr-90 would remain?

An archaeological specimen was analyzed and found to be emitting only \(25 \%\) as much \(C-14\) radiation per gram of carbon as newly cut wood. How old is this specimen?

When the nuclide \({ }_{98}^{249} \mathrm{Cf}\) was bombarded with \({ }_{7}^{15} \mathrm{~N}\), four neutrons and a new transuranium element were formed. Write the nuclear equation for this transmutation.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.