Question

Write the nuclear equation for the beta emission of iodine-131, the isotope used to diagnose and treat thyroid problems.

Short answer

The nuclear equation is \(_{53}^{131}I \rightarrow _{-1}^{0}e + _{54}^{131}Xe\).

Step-by-step solution

Understand Beta Emission

Beta emission occurs when a neutron in an unstable nucleus converts into a proton and emits a beta particle. A beta particle is an electron (\(\beta^-\)) and is represented as \(_{-1}^0 e\). For iodine-131, beta decay will turn it into xenon-131 as the atomic number will increase by 1.

Write the Initial Nucleus

Iodine-131 can be represented as \(_{53}^{131} I\), where 53 is the atomic number (number of protons) and 131 is the mass number (sum of protons and neutrons).

Determine the New Element

When iodine-131 undergoes beta decay, its atomic number increases by 1, resulting in xenon-131 with an atomic number of 54. The mass number remains unchanged. Hence, the new nucleus is \(_{54}^{131}Xe\).

Write the Nuclear Equation

The nuclear equation for the beta decay of iodine-131 can be written as:\[_{53}^{131}I \rightarrow _{-1}^{0}e + _{54}^{131}Xe\]This equation shows iodine-131 decays into xenon-131, emitting a beta particle.

Key concepts

Beta Emission

Beta emission is a type of radioactive decay where a nucleus emits a beta particle. A beta particle is essentially an electron. This process occurs because one of the neutrons in the nucleus converts into a proton. When this happens, it results in the formation of a beta particle along with an antineutrino. The emitted beta particle is represented as \(_{-1}^0 e\).

Beta emission is a spontaneous process happening in radioactive elements. It helps in achieving stability in the nucleus. This process is crucial in the study of nuclear reactions because it changes the identity of an element by altering its atomic number. Understanding beta emission lays the groundwork for comprehending other types of radioactive decays and is fundamental in nuclear chemistry and physics.

• Increases atomic number by 1
• Mass number remains unchanged
• Results in a more stable nucleus

Iodine-131

Iodine-131 is a radioactive isotope widely used in medical fields. It has a half-life of about 8 days, which makes it suitable for medical diagnostics and therapeutic procedures.

In medicine, Iodine-131 plays a critical role, especially in diagnosing and treating thyroid conditions. Since the thyroid gland naturally takes up iodine, Iodine-131 can be utilized to pinpoint issues within this gland through its radioactive properties. Patients might receive a small dose, and with the help of imaging equipment, doctors can track the path and uptake of Iodine-131 in the body.

Due to its radioactive nature, Iodine-131 undergoes beta decay, transitioning into xenon-131. This transformation is at the heart of its utility, as it allows physicians to understand and tackle specific thyroid problems efficiently.

Xenon-131

Xenon-131 is the product of iodine-131 after beta decay. It is stable, which means it does not undergo further radioactive decay.

When iodine-131 transforms into xenon-131 through beta emission, the atomic number of xenon becomes 54, while its mass number remains at 131. This change marks the completion of the radioactive transformation process initiated by beta decay. Xenon, being a noble gas, has unique properties such as being inert and colorless, and it does not react easily with other elements.

Understanding the product of nuclear transformations, like xenon-131, helps in predicting the stability outcomes and new properties that arise from decay processes, essential in many scientific and medical research areas.

Atomic Number Change

The atomic number is a critical value that determines the identity of an element. With beta emission, this number changes due to the conversion of a neutron into a proton within the nucleus.

In the case of iodine-131 undergoing beta decay, the atomic number rises from 53 to 54. This alteration changes the element from iodine to xenon. The mass number, however, remains the same during this process because the overall number of nucleons (protons and neutrons) does not change.

Atomic number changes are essential in understanding nuclear transformations. They highlight how elements can transform into entirely different elements, emphasizing the dynamic nature of nuclear chemistry.

• Identifies element type and characteristics
• Increases by 1 in beta decay
• Unchanged mass number signifies unchanged mass of nucleus