Question

When a nuclide produces a beta particle, the atomic number of the resulting new nuclide is one unit _________ than that of the original nuclide.

Short answer

When a nuclide produces a beta particle, the atomic number of the resulting new nuclide is one unit \(\textit{higher}\) than that of the original nuclide.

Step-by-step solution

Understand beta particles and beta decay

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atom with an unstable nucleus emits a beta particle to achieve stability. A beta particle is an electron (β⁻) or a positron (β⁺) ejected from the nucleus.

Consider beta-minus decay

In beta-minus (β⁻) decay, a neutron inside the nucleus converts into a proton, an electron (beta particle), and an electron antineutrino. Since a neutron is transformed into a proton, the atomic number (number of protons) increases by one: Before decay: \(Z\) protons, \(N\) neutrons After decay: \((Z + 1)\) protons, \((N - 1)\) neutrons

Consider beta-plus decay

In beta-plus (β⁺) decay, a proton inside the nucleus converts into a neutron, a positron (beta particle), and an electron neutrino. Since a proton is transformed into a neutron, the atomic number (number of protons) decreases by one: Before decay: \(Z\) protons, \(N\) neutrons After decay: \((Z - 1)\) protons, \((N + 1)\) neutrons

Conclude the change in atomic number

While both types of beta decay exist, the question asks about the resulting new nuclide when a nuclide produces a beta particle. In general, beta decay will either increase or decrease the atomic number by one unit. However, the most common type of beta decay, beta-minus decay, results in the atomic number increasing by one unit. So, when a nuclide produces a beta particle, the atomic number of the resulting new nuclide is one unit higher than that of the original nuclide.

Key concepts

Radioactive Decay

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves. This intriguing natural phenomenon occurs because the nucleus resides in an excited state and aims to reach a more stable configuration. One common type of radioactive decay is beta decay, which entails the emission of beta particles.

In everyday life, radioactive substances can be found in various contexts, such as medical treatments, carbon dating in archaeology, and nuclear power generation. Understanding radioactive decay not only facilitates comprehension of our physical world but also equips us with the knowledge necessary for handling radioactive materials safely.

Beta Particles

Beta particles are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted by certain types of radioactive nuclei, such as potassium-40. Beta particles are represented by the symbol β, with β⁻ denoting an electron and β⁺ for a positron. During beta decay, an unstable nucleus can decay in two ways: either by emitting an electron (beta-minus decay) or a positron (beta-plus decay).

Beta-minus Decay

In beta-minus decay, a neutron is converted into a proton, and an electron is emitted. This process also releases an electron antineutrino. Because of this decay, the atomic number increases by one, yet the mass number remains unchanged due to the exchange of one neutron for one proton.

Beta-plus Decay

In contrast, beta-plus decay involves the conversion of a proton into a neutron and the emission of a positron, along with an electron neutrino. Here, the atomic number decreases by one. This duality allows for a versatile change in atomic structure, leading to varying isotopes of elements.

Atomic Number Change

In the landscape of nuclear physics, the atomic number (represented by the letter Z) is fundamental as it defines the element by indicating the number of protons in the nucleus. Beta decay is particularly noteworthy as it alters the atomic number, transforming one element into another. This is key in the transmutation of elements either in nature or in controlled radioactive processes.

In beta-minus decay, for instance, the emission of an electron causes the atomic number to rise by one, birthing a new element. Contrarily, in beta-plus decay, the emission of a positron reduces the atomic number by one, also resulting in a new element, but lesser in atomic number. These atomic shifts are central to the puzzle of how elements evolve both on Earth and across the cosmos, shedding light on the origins of the periodic table and the materials that make up our universe.