Question

Technetium has an atomic number of \(43 .\) Write the nuclear equation for the beta particle emission of technetium-99. What is the daughter isotope?

Short answer

The daughter isotope is ruthenium-99 (\(^{99}_{44}Ru\)).

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Parent Isotope

The parent isotope in this nuclear equation is Technetium-99. This isotope is represented as \( ^{99}_{43}Tc \) because it has a mass number of 99 and an atomic number of 43.

Recognize Beta Particle Emission

A beta particle emission involves the conversion of a neutron into a proton, emitting a beta particle (electron) in the process. This results in the increase of the atomic number by 1 while the mass number remains unchanged.

Write the Nuclear Equation

In beta decay of technetium-99, the nuclear equation would be: \( ^{99}_{43}Tc \rightarrow ^{99}_{44}Ru + ^{0}_{-1}e \). Here, a beta particle \( ^{0}_{-1}e \) is emitted.

Identify the Daughter Isotope

The daughter isotope is the new element that forms after the decay. In this case, it is ruthenium-99, represented as \( ^{99}_{44}Ru \).

Key concepts

nuclear_equation

A nuclear equation represents the transformation of one element into another during a nuclear reaction. Just like chemical equations in chemistry, nuclear equations must be balanced, meaning the sum of the mass numbers and the sum of the atomic numbers must be equal on both sides of the equation.
In this exercise, technetium-99 undergoes beta decay, changing into a new element. The nuclear equation for this process is:\[^{99}_{43}Tc \rightarrow ^{99}_{44}Ru + ^{0}_{-1}e \]- **Technetium-99**: The starting element, also known as the parent isotope.- **Ruthenium-99**: The element formed, known as the daughter isotope.- **\(^{0}_{-1}e\)**: Represents the beta particle, an electron emitted during the process.
Understanding how to write and balance nuclear equations is crucial in comprehending nuclear reactions.

technetium-99

Technetium-99 is a radioactive isotope with the symbol \(^{99}_{43}Tc\). It has an atomic number of 43, meaning it contains 43 protons, and a mass number of 99, which is the sum of its protons and neutrons.
Technetium-99 is particularly significant in nuclear medicine due to its usage in diagnostic imaging. It emits gamma rays, which are detected by imaging devices to provide pictures of the internal body structures. However, in this context, we are examining its nuclear properties during beta decay.
Understanding technetium-99's properties helps comprehend the changes it undergoes during a nuclear reaction like beta decay.

daughter_isotope

A daughter isotope is the product of a nuclear decay process, such as beta decay. After technetium-99 undergoes beta decay, the resulting element is known as the daughter isotope.
In this instance, the daughter isotope is ruthenium-99, represented as \(^{99}_{44}Ru\). This means that the atomic number has increased by 1 due to the transformation of a neutron into a proton:

• **Mass number** remains the same at 99.
• **Atomic number** increases from 43 (Technetium) to 44 (Ruthenium).

The study of daughter isotopes is essential as it gives insights into radioactive decay and helps trace the transformation process within the nucleus.

beta_decay_process

Beta decay is a process in nuclear physics where a neutron in the nucleus of an atom transforms into a proton while releasing a beta particle, which is an electron. This process results in:

• An **increase in atomic number** by 1 since a proton is created.
• The **mass number remains unchanged** as the mass of a neutron and a proton are roughly equivalent.

For the case of technetium-99, the beta decay equation is given by:\[^{99}_{43}Tc \rightarrow ^{99}_{44}Ru + ^{0}_{-1}e \]Here, technetium-99 transforms into ruthenium-99 as the beta particle is emitted. By understanding the beta decay process, we learn how elements can change identity at the atomic level, reflecting natural processes that occur in nuclear physics.