Question

Write a balanced nuclear equation for the beta decay of each of the following radioactive isotopes:

a. ${}_{11}{}^{25}\mathrm{Na}$ b. ${}_8{}^{20}O$

c. $\mathrm{strontium}-92$ d. $\mathrm{iron}-60$

Short answer

a. Balanced nuclear equation for the beta decay :-

${}_{11}{}^{25}\mathrm{Na}\to {}_{12}{}^{25}\mathrm{Mg}+{}_{-1}{}^0\mathrm{e}$

b. Balanced nuclear equation for the beta decay :-

${}_8{}^{20}\mathrm{O}\to {}_9{}^{20}\mathrm{F}+{}_{-1}{}^0\mathrm{e}$

c. Balanced nuclear equation for the beta decay :-

${}_{38}{}^{92}Sr\to {}_{39}{}^{92}\mathrm{Y}+{}_{-1}{}^0\mathrm{e}$

d. Balanced nuclear equation for the beta decay :-

${}_{26}{}^{60}\mathrm{Fe}\to {}_{27}{}^{60}\mathrm{Co}+{}_{-1}{}^0\mathrm{e}$

Step-by-step solution

Part (a) Step 1 : Given Information

We have to write a balanced nuclear equation for the beta decay of${}_{11}{}^{25}Na$

Part (a) Step 2 : Simplification

We know that,

In beta decay an electron is emitted by radioactive elements. So when an electron is emitted by sodium isotope it changes into magnesium isotope as atomic no. got increase by one.

${}_{11}{}^{25}\mathrm{Na}\to {}_{12}{}^{25}\mathrm{Mg}+{}_{-1}{}^0\mathrm{e}$

Part (b) Step 1 : Given Information

We have to write a balanced nuclear equation for the beta decay of${}_8{}^{20}\mathrm{O}$

Part (b) Step 2 : Simplification

We know that,

In beta decay an electron is emitted by radioactive elements. So when an electron is emitted by Oxygen isotope it changes into fluorine isotope as atomic no. got increase by one.

${}_8{}^{20}\mathrm{O}\to {}_9{}^{20}\mathrm{F}+{}_{-1}{}^0\mathrm{e}$

Part (c) Step 1 : Given Information

We have to write a balanced nuclear equation for the beta decay of${}_{38}{}^{92}\mathrm{Sr}$

Part (c) Step 2 : Simplification

We know that,

In beta decay an electron is emitted by radioactive elements. So when an electron is emitted by strontium isotope it changes into yttrium isotope as atomic no. got increase by one.

${}_{38}{}^{92}Sr\to {}_{39}{}^{92}\mathrm{Y}+{}_{-1}{}^0\mathrm{e}$

Part (d) Step 1 : Given Information

We have to write a balanced nuclear equation for the beta decay of${}_{27}{}^{60}\mathrm{Fe}$

Part (d) Step 2 : Simplification

We know that,

In beta decay an electron is emitted by radioactive elements. So when an electron is emitted by iron isotope it changes into cobalt isotope as atomic no. got increase by one.

${}_{26}{}^{60}\mathrm{Fe}\to {}_{27}{}^{60}\mathrm{Co}+{}_{-1}{}^0\mathrm{e}$