Question

Isotopes such as 26Al (half-life: 7.2 × 105 years) are believed to have been present in our solar system as it formed, but have since decayed and are now called extinct nuclides. a)True b)False

Answer 1

Isotopes such as 26Al have decayed over time and are now extinct nuclides. The decay of 26Al can occur through ß* emission or electron capture.

Step-by-step explanation:

Isotopes such as 26Al have been present in our solar system as it formed, but over time they have decayed and are now referred to as extinct nuclides.

These isotopes have a specific half-life, which is the time it takes for half of the sample to decay. In the case of 26Al, its half-life is 7.2 × 10⁵ years.

The process of decay can occur through different pathways. In the case of 26Al, it decays by ß* (beta) emission or electron capture.

These decay processes can be represented by the following equations:

ß* emission: 26Al → 26Mg + e⁻ + ν(e)

Electron capture: 26Al + e⁻ → 26Mg + ν(e)