Question

The nucleus of nitrogen- 18 lies above the stability belt. Write an equation for a nuclear reaction by which nitrogen- 18 can achieve stability.

Short answer

The nuclear reaction for Nitrogen-18 achieving stability is: \(^{18}_{7}\)N --> \(^{18}_{8}\)O + β- + \(\bar{ν}\), which indicates the beta decay process.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding instability of Nitrogen-18

Nitrogen-18 is above the belt of stability. This means it has too many neutrons compared to protons, making it unstable. To gain stability, it needs to convert some of its excess neutrons into protons through a process known as beta decay.

Beta Decay

In beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus of the atom changes into a proton. It emits a beta particle, which is a high-energy electron, and an electron antineutrino.

Writing the Nuclear Reaction

In the case of Nitrogen-18 (\(^{18}_{7}\)N), one neutron will change into a proton by emitting a beta particle (β-). Therefore, the Nitrogen-18 transforms into an atom of Oxygen-18 (\(^{18}_{8}\)O). The nuclear reaction can be written as follows: \(^{18}_{7}\)N --> \(^{18}_{8}\)O + β- + \(\bar{ν}\)

Key concepts

Beta Decay

Beta decay is a fascinating nuclear process that helps an unstable nucleus achieve stability. This occurs when a neutron within the nucleus converts into a proton. During this transformation, a beta particle, which is essentially a high-energy electron, is emitted from the nucleus. Along with the beta particle, a very light and neutral particle called an electron antineutrino is also emitted.
Beta decay helps adjust the number of protons and neutrons, allowing the atom to be more balanced and closer to the atomic stability line.
This process is crucial in many nuclear reactions and is often involved in radioactive decay in various isotopes.

Nitrogen-18

Nitrogen-18 is an isotope of nitrogen that finds itself above the stability belt, meaning it is prone to radioactive decay.
In the realm of nuclear chemistry, this means that nitrogen-18 possesses a higher number of neutrons compared to protons than what is considered stable.
The excess of neutrons makes nitrogen-18 unstable and forces it to undergo beta decay to shed this extra weight.
With beta decay, nitrogen-18 will lose a neutron, which becomes a proton, converting the atom into oxygen-18.

• Original Element: Nitrogen-18 (\(^{18}_{7}\)N)
• Transforming into: Oxygen-18 (\(^{18}_{8}\)O)

This conversion helps stabilize the atom, effectively balancing its nuclear forces and placing it back in line with the stability belt.

Nuclear Reactions

Nuclear reactions are not just limited to powering ancient stars and massive reactors; they play a significant role in smaller, more precise atomic changes. These transformations involve the nucleus, altering the composition from one element to another.
A classic example is the transformation observed in nitrogen-18's beta decay, where its nuclear configuration changes, resulting in a different element altogether—oxygen-18.
The reaction can be depicted as:

• Start: \(^{18}_{7}\)N
• Process: Emission of a beta particle and an electron antineutrino
• End: \(^{18}_{8}\)O

This specific type of nuclear reaction showcases how unstable isotopes adjust themselves, achieving stability through the conversion of neutrons to protons, which highlights the incredible dynamics within atomic structures.