Question

Which type of particle is emitted in the nuclear decay reaction shown here? $$ { }_{82}^{214} \mathrm{~Pb} \rightarrow{ }_{83}^{214} \mathrm{Bi}+{ }_{-1}^0 \mathrm{e} $$ (A) alpha decay (B) beta decay (C) gamma decay (D) nuclear fusion

Short answer

The type of particle emitted in the nuclear decay reaction shown here is a beta particle. Therefore, the correct answer is (B) beta decay.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the initial and final particles in the reaction

In the given reaction: $$ { }_{82}^{214} \mathrm{~Pb} \rightarrow{ }_{83}^{214} \mathrm{Bi}+{ }_{-1}^0 \mathrm{e} $$ We have an initial particle of \({ }_{82}^{214} \mathrm{~Pb}\), which then decays into a final nucleus of \({ }_{83}^{214}\mathrm{Bi}\) and a particle of \({ }_{-1}^{0}\mathrm{e}\).

Compare the reaction to the general forms of each type of decay

Now we will compare this reaction to the general forms of each type of decay: (A) Alpha decay: An alpha decay reaction has the general form: $$ { }_Z^A \mathrm{~X} \rightarrow{ }_{Z-2}^{A-4} \mathrm{Y} + { }_2^4 \mathrm{He} $$ In this case, the emitted particle is an alpha particle (\({ }_2^4 \mathrm{He}\)). (B) Beta decay: A beta decay reaction has the general form: $$ { }_Z^A \mathrm{~X} \rightarrow{ }_{Z+1}^{A} \mathrm{Y} + { }_{-1}^{0} \mathrm{e} $$ In this case, the emitted particle is a beta particle (\({ }_{-1}^{0} \mathrm{e}\)). (C) Gamma decay: A gamma decay reaction has the general form: $$ { }_Z^A \mathrm{~X*} \rightarrow{ }_Z^A \mathrm{~X} + { }_0^0 \mathrm{\gamma} $$ In this case, the emitted particle is a gamma photon (\({ }_0^0 \mathrm{\gamma}\)). (D) Nuclear fusion: Nuclear fusion involves two nuclei coming together to form a more massive nucleus and with the release of energy. It does not describe a decay of a single nucleus.

Identify the type of decay in the given reaction

Comparing the given reaction: $$ { }_{82}^{214} \mathrm{~Pb} \rightarrow{ }_{83}^{214} \mathrm{Bi}+{ }_{-1}^0 \mathrm{e} $$ to the general forms of each type of decay, we can see that it matches the general form of a beta decay reaction: $$ { }_Z^A \mathrm{~X} \rightarrow{ }_{Z+1}^{A} \mathrm{Y} + { }_{-1}^{0} \mathrm{e} $$ Thus, the type of particle emitted in the given nuclear decay reaction is a beta particle. Therefore, the correct answer is (B) beta decay.

Key concepts

Understanding Beta Decay

Beta decay is a common type of nuclear decay where a neutron in an unstable nucleus is transformed into a proton. This process results in the emission of a beta particle, which is an electron. Beta decay can be identified by the change in the atomic number of the element. The atomic number increases by one unit while the mass number remains unchanged. In the example provided, the element lead (Pb) with an atomic number of 82 undergoes beta decay to become bismuth (Bi) with an atomic number of 83. The emitted beta particle is represented as \({ }_{-1}^{0} \mathrm{e}\). This indicates that beta decay plays a crucial role in balancing the forces within a nucleus and helps in achieving stability. The transformation happens as follows:

• Neutron converts into a proton.
• Emission of a beta particle (electron).
• Atomic number increases by one.
• Mass number remains the same.

What is Nuclear Decay?

Nuclear decay, also known as radioactive decay, is a process where the nucleus of an unstable atom loses energy by emitting radiation. This phenomenon leads to the transformation of one type of atom into another over time. The unstable nucleus seeks stability by releasing particles or energy. There are several types of nuclear decay, including alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay:

• Alpha Decay: Involves the release of an alpha particle (helium nucleus), decreasing atomic number by 2 and mass number by 4.
• Beta Decay: Involves neutron transformation to proton and emission of a beta particle, increasing atomic number by 1.
• Gamma Decay: Involves the release of gamma radiation, no change in atomic number or mass number.

Nuclear decay helps elements achieve stable configurations. It's a spontaneous process and can be influenced by factors like temperature and pressure. The half-life is an important concept, representing the time it takes for half of a sample of radioactive material to decay. Understanding nuclear decay is key to applications like dating archaeological finds and nuclear energy production.

Exploring Particle Emission

Particle emission is a fundamental concept in nuclear physics, referring to the release of subatomic particles from a nucleus during nuclear decay. Different types of emissions occur depending on the decay process:

• Alpha Emission: Involves release of an alpha particle (\({ }_2^4 \mathrm{He}\)), indicative of alpha decay.
• Beta Emission: Involves release of a beta particle (\({ }_{-1}^{0} \mathrm{e}\)), characteristic of beta decay.
• Gamma Emission: Involves release of gamma photons (\({ }_0^0 \mathrm{\gamma}\)), typical in gamma decay.

These emissions help transform unstable isotopes into more stable forms by adjusting energy levels and atomic structure. For instance, beta emission aids in balancing charges within a nucleus by changing a neutron into a proton. Each type of emission provides essential clues about the behavior and characteristics of an atom undergoing nuclear decay. Understanding these processes enhances our ability to harness nuclear reactions for practical uses, such as medical imaging and power generation.