Question

\(\mathrm{A}(\mathrm{n})\) ______ when it is produced by a nucleus at high speed, is more commonly called a beta particle.

Short answer

A(n) is more commonly called a beta particle.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the term

We are given the term "A(n)" and we know that it is produced by a nucleus at high speed.

Relate the term to nuclear physics

In nuclear physics, when a nucleus emits a particle at high speed, it usually refers to either alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma radiation. These are the most common types of radioactive decay.

Identify the correct decay particle

As mentioned in the analysis section, the term "A(n)" more commonly refers to a beta particle in the context of nuclear physics. Therefore, the answer is: A(n) is more commonly called a beta particle.

Key concepts

Nuclear Physics

Nuclear physics is the branch of physics that studies the constituents (protons and neutrons) and interactions of atomic nuclei. Atomic nuclei are the core of atoms, where nearly all the mass of the atom is concentrated.

The key intriguing aspect of nuclear physics is how these protons and neutrons are held together. Despite protons having the same positive charge and therefore repelling each other, the strong nuclear force overcomes this electrostatic repulsion within the nucleus. This strong force binds the protons and neutrons into a compact structure.

Applications of Nuclear Physics

Applications of nuclear physics include medical imaging, nuclear power generation, and the study of elements. Understanding nuclear physics is vital in many fields, as changes in the nucleus can lead to significant outcomes, such as the release of large amounts of energy observed in nuclear reactors or in the more destructive form of nuclear weapons.

Radioactive Decay

Radioactive decay is a random process where unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation. This process is fundamental in nuclear physics, leading to the transformation of one element into another. There are several types of radioactive decay, including alpha, beta, and gamma decay.

In radioactive decay, particles or electromagnetic radiation are emitted from the nucleus of an unstable atom, which then becomes a different element or a different isotope of the same element. The rate at which a radioactive substance decays is characterized by its half-life, which is the time required for half of the substance to decay.

Implications of Radioactive Decay

Radioactive decay is not only a natural process but also has implications in various technologies and scientific fields, such as radiometric dating in geology, cancer treatment in medicine, and as a tracer in biological and environmental studies.

Beta Decay

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle is emitted from a nucleus. Beta particles can be either electrons (beta-minus decay) or positrons (beta-plus decay). During beta-minus decay, a neutron is transformed into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino, while in beta-plus decay, a proton is converted into a neutron, a positron, and a neutrino.

During beta decay, the number of protons in the nucleus changes, thus transforming the original atom into an atom of a different element with a different number of protons, but the same mass number.

Real-world Example of Beta Decay

A common example of beta decay is the transformation of carbon-14 into nitrogen-14, which is used in carbon dating to determine the age of previously living materials. This type of decay is crucial for our understanding of the dynamic changes that atoms can undergo and how elements are interconverted in nature.