Question

Give the nuclear symbol for each of the following. a. a beta particle b. an alpha particle c. a neutron d. a proton

Short answer

a. Beta particle: \[_{-1}^0e\] b. Alpha particle: \[_2^4He\] c. Neutron: \[_0^1n\] d. Proton: \[_1^1p\]

Step-by-step solution

Identify the beta particle and its nuclear symbol

A beta particle is an electron (or positron) emitted during beta decay. For an electron, the nuclear symbol is given as: \[_{-1}^0e\]

Identify the alpha particle and its nuclear symbol

An alpha particle is a Helium nucleus, with 2 protons and 2 neutrons. The nuclear symbol for an alpha particle is given as: \[_2^4He\]

Identify the neutron and its nuclear symbol

A neutron is a neutral subatomic particle with no charge and a mass slightly greater than that of a proton. The nuclear symbol for a neutron is given as: \[_0^1n\]

Identify the proton and its nuclear symbol

A proton is a positively charged subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom and has a mass roughly equal to that of a neutron. The nuclear symbol for a proton is given as: \[_1^1p\]

Summary

The nuclear symbols for each of the given subatomic particles are: a. Beta particle: \[_{-1}^0e\] b. Alpha particle: \[_2^4He\] c. Neutron: \[_0^1n\] d. Proton: \[_1^1p\]

Key concepts

Beta Particle

Beta particles play a key role in radioactive decay processes. They are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted from the nucleus during beta decay. When a neutron in the nucleus converts into a proton, a beta particle, specifically an electron, is emitted along with an antineutrino. This process is known as beta minus decay. Conversely, when a proton converts into a neutron, a positron (a positive electron) is emitted, along with a neutrino, in beta plus decay.

The nuclear symbol for an electron beta particle is written as:

• Beta minus particle: \( _{-1}^0e \)
• Beta plus particle: \( _{+1}^0e \)

These symbols highlight the changes in the charge and mass number; the charge indicates a negative or positive electron, while the mass remains almost zero.

Alpha Particle

Alpha particles are essential in understanding helium nuclei released during certain types of radioactive decay. When an unstable atom undergoes radioactive decay, it can release an alpha particle, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. This emission is essentially a helium nucleus without its electrons, making it relatively massive compared to other forms of nuclear radiation.

In terms of nuclear notation, an alpha particle is represented by:

• Alpha particle: \( _2^4He \)

Alpha particles carry a +2 charge due to the two protons, making them highly interactive with matter. However, they possess low penetration power and can be blocked by a sheet of paper or a few centimeters of air, which makes them less hazardous when external to the body.

Neutron

Neutrons are neutral particles that significantly influence an atom's atomic mass without contributing to its charge. Found in the nucleus alongside protons, neutrons play a crucial role in stabilizing the nucleus and contributing to nuclear reactions and fission processes. Despite having no electrical charge, their slight mass difference compared to protons is what makes them distinguishable.

The nuclear symbol for a neutron looks like:

• Neutron: \( _0^1n \)

Neutrons have a unique ability to penetrate materials deeply, making them useful in the nuclear reactors and in some forms of medical treatments. They act as a key component in nuclear reactions, especially in initiating and sustaining chain reactions.

Proton

Protons are a fundamental component of atomic structure, characterized by their positive charge. Together with neutrons, they form the core of an atom—the nucleus. Each proton has a charge of +1 and a mass number of 1, which is comparable to that of a neutron. The number of protons in a nucleus defines the element and its position on the periodic table, known as its atomic number.

The nuclear symbol for a proton is expressed as:

• Proton: \( _1^1p \)

In chemical reactions, protons often facilitate the process by participating in interactions as hydrogen ions (\(H^+\)). Their presence determines the chemical identity and properties of an atom, and they play a significant role in the magnetic resonance and nuclear fusion processes in stars.