Question

Whether or not the process is observed in nature, which of the following could account for the transformation of gallium-67 to zinc-67?

a) positron emission
b) alpha decay
c) electron capture
d) beta decay

Answer 1

Option a: positron emission.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the transformation we have:

⁶⁷Ga → ⁶⁷Zn

The reaction is:

`^(67)_(Z)X \rightarrow ^(67)_(Z -1)Y`

For Ga to become Zn, the atom nucleus has to lose a proton, so in the given options, the reaction that involves the transformation of a proton is the option a, positron emission.

In a positron emission, a proton becomes into a neutron and a positron:

`^(A)_(Z)X \rightarrow ^(A)_(Z-1)Y + ^(0)_(+1)e`

Therefore, the correct answer is option a: positron emission.

I hope it helps you!