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Chapter 21: Problem 36

Electrons and positrons are produced by the nuclear transformations of protons and neutrons known as beta decay. (a) If a proton transforms into a neutron, is an electron or a positron produced? (b) If a neutron transforms into a proton, is an electron or a positron produced?

Short Answer

Expert verified
(a) Positron is produced. (b) Electron is produced.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Beta Decay - Beta Minus

Beta decay occurs when a neutron transforms into a proton, which is known as beta minus decay. In this process, a neutron ( ) in an unstable nucleus converts into a proton ( ), and an electron ( e) and an antineutrino ( 虆e) are emitted.
02

Identify the First Case

If a proton transforms into a neutron, this is the reverse of the beta minus decay process. In this scenario, the transformation involves changing a proton ( ) into a neutron ( ). This type of transformation emits a positron ( p) and a neutrino ( ) and is known as beta plus decay.
03

Answer Case (a)

In part (a), a proton is transforming into a neutron. The transformations involve a positron being produced in the beta plus decay process.
04

Understanding Beta Decay - Beta Plus

Beta plus decay involves a proton converting into a neutron, emitting a positron ( p) and a neutrino ( ). It is important to associate this decay type with part (a) for analysis.
05

Identify the Second Case

Given that a neutron transforms into a proton, this involves beta minus decay where the neutron ( ) transforms into a proton ( ), emitting an electron ( e) and an antineutrino ( 虆e).
06

Answer Case (b)

In part (b), the neutron transforms into a proton. During this beta minus decay, an electron is produced.

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Key Concepts

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

Electron
Electrons are fundamental particles with a negative electric charge, commonly known in symbols as \( e^- \). They play a critical role in all types of beta decay, particularly beta minus decay. This decay process occurs within the nucleus of an atom when a neutron transforms into a proton.
In beta minus decay:
  • A neutron becomes a proton.
  • An electron is emitted.
  • An antineutrino is also released.
The emitted electron from beta minus decay is referred to as a beta particle. Its release helps to conserve charge and ensure the stability of the atom. Understanding the behavior of electrons during these transformations is essential when studying nuclear physics and radioactivity. Always remember, when you think of beta minus decay, think of electrons being released.
Positron
A positron is the antiparticle counterpart to the electron, having the same mass but a positive electric charge, denoted \( e^+ \). Positrons are essential in beta plus decay, which is the opposite process of beta minus decay.
In beta plus decay:
  • A proton in the nucleus is converted to a neutron.
  • A positron is emitted.
  • A neutrino is also released.
This decay reduces the atomic number, effectively transforming an element into another of lower atomic number. The emission of positrons is vital in medical imaging technologies such as PET scans where they help visualize metabolic processes. In summary, consider positrons as key participants in beta plus decay, balancing the charge and helping to achieve nuclear stability.
Neutron
Neutrons are neutral subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They are essential in both types of beta decay. In beta minus decay, a neutron ( ) transforms:
  • Into a proton.
  • Emits an electron and an antineutrino.
This helps stabilize elements with excess neutrons. Conversely, in beta plus decay, protons convert into neutrons:
  • Emitting a positron and a neutrino.
This transition is crucial when there is a surplus of protons. Neutrons are vital in understanding the processes that underpin nuclear reactions and the balance of forces within an atomic nucleus.
Proton
Protons are positively charged subatomic particles found in the nucleus alongside neutrons. They play crucial roles in both beta plus and beta minus decay. During beta plus decay, where a proton ( ) transitions to:
  • A neutron is formed.
  • It emits a positron and a neutrino.
This process is important in adjusting the proton-to-neutron ratio in a nucleus.
On the other hand, in beta minus decay, protons are the products of the transformation.
  • A neutron becomes a proton.
Protons help define the identity of an element. They determine the atomic number, which is crucial for classifying elements and their chemical behaviors. Understanding the role of protons is essential for comprehending atomic structures and nuclear reactions.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

In crystals of the salt cesium chloride, cesium ions \(\mathrm{Cs}^{+}\) form the eight corners of a cube and a chlorine ion \(\mathrm{Cl}^{-}\) is at the cube's center (Fig. 21-36). The edge length of the cube is \(0.40 \mathrm{~nm}\). The \(\mathrm{Cs}^{+}\) ions are each deficient by one electron (and thus each has a charge of \(+e\) ), and the \(\mathrm{Cl}^{-}\) ion has one excess electron (and thus has a charge of \(-e\) ). (a) What is the magnitude of the net electrostatic force exerted on the \(\mathrm{Cl}^{-}\) ion by the eight \(\mathrm{Cs}^{+}\) ions at the corners of the cube? (b) If one of the \(\mathrm{Cs}^{+}\) ions is missing, the crystal is said to have a defect; what is the magnitude of the net electrostatic force exerted on the \(\mathrm{Cl}^{-}\) ion by the seven remaining \(\mathrm{Cs}^{+}\) ions?

What would be the magnitude of the electrostatic force between two \(1.00 \mathrm{C}\) point charges separated by a distance of (a) \(1.00 \mathrm{~m}\) and (b) \(1.00 \mathrm{~km}\) if such point charges existed (they do not) and this configuration could be set up?

The magnitude of the electrostatic force between two identical ions that are separated by a distance of \(5.0 \times 10^{-10} \mathrm{~m}\) is \(3.7 \times 10^{-9}\) N. (a) What is the charge of each ion? (b) How many electrons are "missing" from each ion (thus giving the ion its charge imbalance)?

In a spherical metal shell of radius \(R\), an electron is shot from the center directly toward a tiny hole in the shell, through which it escapes. The shell is negatively charged with a surface charge density (charge per unit area) of \(6.90 \times 10^{-13} \mathrm{C} / \mathrm{m}^{2}\). What is the magnitude of the electron's acceleration when it reaches radial distances (a) \(r=0.500 R\) and (b) \(2.00 R\) ?

Two small, positively charged spheres have a combined charge of \(5.0 \times 10^{-5} \mathrm{C}\). If each sphere is repelled from the other by an electrostatic force of \(1.0 \mathrm{~N}\) when the spheres are \(2.0 \mathrm{~m}\) apart, what is the charge on the sphere with the smaller charge?
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