Chapter 20: Problem 69
Write complete nuclear equations for the following processes: (a) tritium \(\left({ }^{3} \mathrm{H}\right)\) undergoes \(\beta\) decay, \((\mathrm{b}){ }^{242} \mathrm{Pu}\) undergoes \(\alpha\) -particle emission, (c) \({ }^{131}\) I undergoes \(\beta\) decay, (d) \({ }^{251} \mathrm{Cf}\) emits an \(\alpha\) particle.
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understand β decay
Tritium (³H) β decay equation
Understand α decay
Plutonium-242 (²⁴²Pu) α decay equation
Iodine-131 (¹³¹I) β decay equation
Californium-251 (²⁵¹Cf) α decay equation
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Beta Decay
- Neutron converts to a proton
- Emits a beta particle (electron)
- Releases an antineutrino
- Increases atomic number by 1
- Atomic mass remains the same
Alpha Decay
- Alpha particle: 2 protons and 2 neutrons (\( {}^4_2 \text{He} \))
- Decreases atomic number by 2
- Reduces atomic mass number by 4
- Transforms the element into another element
Tritium
- Symbol: \( {}^3 \text{H} \)
- 1 proton, 2 neutrons
- Undergoes beta decay \( {}^{3}_{1} ext{H} \rightarrow {}^{3}_{2} ext{He} + \beta^- + \bar{u}_e \)
- Transforms into helium-3
Plutonium-242
- Symbol: \( {}^{242} \text{Pu} \)
- 94 protons, 148 neutrons
- Undergoes alpha decay \( {}^{242}_{94}\text{Pu} \rightarrow {}^{238}_{92}\text{U} + {}^{4}_{2}\text{He} \)
- Transforms to uranium-238
Iodine-131
- Symbol: \( {}^{131} \text{I} \)
- 53 protons, 78 neutrons
- Undergoes beta decay \( {}^{131}_{53}\text{I} \rightarrow {}^{131}_{54}\text{Xe} + \beta^- + \bar{u}_e \)
- Transforms into xenon-131