Question

In each of the following radioactive decay processes, supply the missing particle. a. \({ }^{60} \mathrm{Co} \rightarrow{ }^{60} \mathrm{Ni}+\) ? b. \({ }^{97} \mathrm{Tc}+? \rightarrow{ }^{97} \mathrm{Mo}\) c. \({ }^{99} \mathrm{Tc} \rightarrow{ }^{99} \mathrm{Ru}+\) ? d. \({ }^{239} \mathrm{Pu} \rightarrow{ }^{235} \mathrm{U}+\) ?

Short answer

a. \( { }^{60} \mathrm{Co} \rightarrow{ }^{60} \mathrm{Ni}+ \beta^- + \bar{\nu_e}\) b. \( { }^{97} \mathrm{Tc}+ \beta^- + \bar{\nu_e} \rightarrow{ }^{97} \mathrm{Mo}\) c. \( { }^{99} \mathrm{Tc} \rightarrow{ }^{99} \mathrm{Ru}+ \beta^- + \bar{\nu_e}\) d. \( { }^{239} \mathrm{Pu} \rightarrow{ }^{235} \mathrm{U}+ { }^4 \mathrm{He}\)

Step-by-step solution

Identify the type of decay

This process shows the conversion of Cobalt-60 to Nickel-60, which indicates a beta-minus decay (a neutron converting into a proton). The missing particle will be an electron (also called a beta particle) and an antineutrino.

Write the full decay process

With the identified missing particles, we can write the full decay process as: \[{ }^{60} \mathrm{Co} \rightarrow{ }^{60} \mathrm{Ni}+ \beta^- + \bar{\nu_e}\] #b. Technetium-97 decay#

Identify the type of decay

This process shows the conversion of Technetium-97 to Molybdenum-97. The missing particle will be a beta particle and an antineutrino since this decay process is for a shorter half-life period.

Write the full decay process

With the identified missing particles, we can write the full decay process as: \[{ }^{97} \mathrm{Tc}+ \beta^- + \bar{\nu_e} \rightarrow{ }^{97} \mathrm{Mo}\] #c. Technetium-99 decay#

Identify the type of decay

In this process, Technetium-99 decays into Ruthenium-99, indicating a beta-minus decay (a neutron converting into a proton). The missing particle will be an electron (beta particle) and an antineutrino.

Write the full decay process

With the identified missing particles, we can write the full decay process as: \[{ }^{99} \mathrm{Tc} \rightarrow{ }^{99} \mathrm{Ru}+ \beta^- + \bar{\nu_e}\] #d. Plutonium-239 decay#

Identify the type of decay

In this decay process, the conversion of Plutonium-239 to Uranium-235 indicates alpha decay (emission of an alpha particle, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons). There is no additional particle involved in this process.

Write the full decay process

With the identified missing particle (alpha particle), we can write the full decay process as: \[{ }^{239} \mathrm{Pu} \rightarrow{ }^{235} \mathrm{U}+ { }^4 \mathrm{He}\]