Question

3.the three major types of radioactive decay of an unstable nucleus are alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.

explain how alpha decay works and how it causes a transmutation. be sure to note all changes to the nucleus in your explanation.


write the equation for the alpha decay of uranium-234.


explain how beta decay works and how it causes a transmutation. be sure to include all changes to the nucleus in your explanation.


write the equation for the beta decay of iodine-131.

Answer 1

a) Alpha decay occurs when an unstable nuclide emits an alpha particle, (which is just a helium-4 atom), which contains 2 protons and 4 neutrons. This means that transmutation has occurred (since a nuclide of a different element will be produced), and this newly produced nuclide will have 2 fewer protons and 4 fewer neutrons than the original nuclide.

b)
`^(234)_(92) \text{U} \longrightarrow ^(4)_(2) \text{He}+^(230)_(90) \text{Th}`

c) Alpha decay occurs when an unstable nuclide emits a beta particle, (also known as an electron). This causes transmutation (since a nuclide of a different element will be produced), and this newly produced nuclide will have 1 more proton than the original nuclide.

d)
`^(131)_(53) \text{I} \longrightarrow ^(0)_(-1) \beta+^(131)_(54) \text{Xe}`