/*! 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 65 Tritium contains one proton and ... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 21: Problem 65

Tritium contains one proton and two neutrons. There is no proton-proton repulsion present in the nucleus. Why, then, is tritium radioactive?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Tritium is radioactive because its nucleus, which includes one proton and two neutrons, is unstable. Despite the absence of proton-proton repulsion, the balance between the strong nuclear force and electrostatic force is disrupted due to the additional neutrons, making the atom unstable. To achieve stability, tritium undergoes beta decay, a type of radioactive decay, turning a neutron into a proton while emitting an electron and an electron antineutrino.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Tritium

Tritium has one proton and two neutrons in its nucleus. This means it is an isotope of Hydrogen, as it has one proton which identifies it as hydrogen. However, the standard hydrogen atom doesn't contain any neutron. Isotopes with extra neutrons are often unstable.
02

Nuclear Forces and Stability

In a nucleus, there are two types of forces working: the strong nuclear force which keeps the protons and neutrons together and the electrostatic force which creates repulsion between protons. In the case of tritium, there is no proton-proton repulsion, however, the balance between these forces is disturbed because of the extra neutrons.
03

Cause of Radioactivity

Even though there is no proton-proton repulsion, tritium is still radioactive because its nucleus is unstable. This instability is due to the disturbance in the balance of forces caused by the extra neutrons. To reach stability, tritium emits beta particles from its nucleus. This is a type of radioactive decay.

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!

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 radioactive potassium- 40 isotope decays to argon- 40 with a half-life of \(1.2 \times 10^{9}\) yr. (a) Write a balanced equation for the reaction. (b) A sample of moon rock is found to contain 18 percent potassium40 and 82 percent argon by mass. Calculate the age of the rock in Years.

How do nuclear reactions differ from ordinary chemical reactions?

What makes water particularly suitable for use as moderator in a nuclear reactor?

Sources of energy on Earth include fossil fuels, geothermal, gravitational, hydroelectric, nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, solar, and wind. Which of these have a "nuclear origin," either directly or indirectly?

What is the belt of stability?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Kinetics

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation

The Earths Atmosphere

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.