Question

If a radioactive element undergoes a single decay process and transforms into an element one step to the right in the periodic table, did a proton turn into a neutron or did a neutron turn into a proton? What do we call this type of decay?

Short answer

In this decay process, a neutron turns into a proton, and this type of decay is called beta-minus decay.

Step-by-step solution

Determine the decay process

When an element undergoes radioactive decay and moves one step to the right in the periodic table, it implies that the atomic number of the element increases by one. The atomic number represents the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. Since the atomic number increases, it means that a neutron in the nucleus has transformed into a proton.

Identify the type of decay

This type of radioactive decay, in which a neutron in the atom's nucleus transforms into a proton, is called beta decay (specifically, beta-minus decay). In this process, an electron, known as a beta particle, is also emitted. So in conclusion, in this decay process, a neutron has turned into a proton, and this type of decay is called beta-minus decay.

Key concepts

Radioactive Decay

Radioactive decay is a spontaneous process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. This phenomenon is a natural occurrence found in many elements on the periodic table, notably among the heavier elements. It can result in an atom changing to a different element or a different isotope of the same element.

This can happen through various types of decay, such as alpha decay, beta decay (including beta-minus and beta-plus), and gamma decay. The type of decay depends on the specific changes occurring within the nucleus and the particles involved in the process.

Periodic Table

The periodic table is an organized chart that displays all known chemical elements in a systematic way. The elements are arranged by increasing atomic number, which is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. The table is structured in rows called periods and columns known as groups or families. Each position in the table provides important information about the element's properties, and relationships between the elements can be inferred based on their positions. For instance, elements in the same group typically exhibit similar chemical behavior.

Atomic Number

The atomic number is a fundamental characteristic of an element, denoted as the number of protons present in the nucleus of an atom. It is represented by the letter 'Z' and determines the element's identity on the periodic table. For neutral atoms, the atomic number also equals the number of electrons surrounding the nucleus, which governs the element's chemical properties.

When an atom experiences radioactive decay that changes its atomic number, it transforms into a different element. This change occurs at the subatomic level and can drastically alter the physical and chemical properties of the atom.

Beta-Minus Decay

Beta-minus decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a neutron in the nucleus of an atom is converted into a proton. During this process, the atom emits a beta particle, which is an electron, and an antineutrino. The emission of these particles is a result of the transformation of a down-quark to an up-quark within a neutron, facilitated by the weak nuclear force.

Moreover, since a proton is added to the nucleus and a neutron is lost, the atomic number of the atom increases by one, causing the atom to move one step to the right in the periodic table. This new atom belongs to the adjacent element with one higher atomic number. Beta-minus decay is essential in various applications, such as radiometric dating and nuclear medicine.

Neutron to Proton Transformation

In the context of beta-minus decay, the neutron to proton transformation is a process driven by the weak nuclear force. It is one of the mechanisms by which atoms can undergo change, particularly those that have a neutron-rich nucleus. When a neutron transforms into a proton, the balance between protons and neutrons shifts, leading to an alteration of the atom's identity as per the periodic table.

Understanding this process is critical in fields such as nuclear physics and chemistry, as it accounts for the creation of different isotopes and elements. It also plays a significant role in the lifecycle of stars and the synthesis of new elements in the universe.