Final answer:
In Chemistry, specifically nuclear chemistry, nitrogen-13 undergoes positron emission forming carbon-13 and a positron. Californium-251 decays by alpha emission to form curium-247 and an alpha particle. Both processes are described by balanced nuclear equations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question is Chemistry, specifically related to the topic of radioactive decay and nuclear equations. In nuclear chemistry, it is important to write balanced nuclear equations to represent different types of radioactive decay.
Nitrogen-13 Undergoing Positron Emission
For nitrogen-13 undergoing positron emission, the nuclear equation is:
137N → 136C + 0+1e (positron)
In this equation, a nitrogen-13 nucleus emits a positron (e+), resulting in a carbon-13 nucleus. The positron has a mass number of 0 and an atomic number of +1, reflecting its positive charge and negligible mass.
Californium-251 Undergoing Alpha Decay
For californium-251 undergoing alpha decay, the nuclear equation is:
25198Cf → 24796Cm + 42He (alpha particle)
During alpha decay, a californium-251 nucleus emits an alpha particle, which is a helium nucleus with a mass number of 4 and an atomic number of 2, resulting in the formation of a curium-247 nucleus.