Question

Cesium-136 is also radioactive and decays into barium-136. Write the nuclear equation for this reaction.

Short answer

Cesium-136 decays to Barium-136, emitting a beta particle: \( ^{136}_{55}Cs \rightarrow ^{136}_{56}Ba + \beta^- \).

Step-by-step solution

Identify Reactants and Products

Cesium-136 (\[ ^{136}_{55}Cs \]) is the starting radioactive element and it decays into barium-136 (\[ ^{136}_{56}Ba \]). Additionally, you need to consider what kind of particle is emitted during this decay process.

Determine Emitted Particle

Cesium (Cs) transforms into Barium (Ba) by increasing its atomic number from 55 to 56. This indicates the emission of a beta particle (\( \beta^- \)), which has an atomic number of -1 and no change in mass number.

Write the Balanced Nuclear Equation

In a nuclear equation, both the atomic numbers and mass numbers must be balanced. Cesium-136 decays to Barium-136 with the emission of a beta particle:\[^{136}_{55}Cs \rightarrow ^{136}_{56}Ba + \beta^- \] Ensure that mass numbers (136) and atomic numbers (55 = 56 - 1) are equal on both sides.

Key concepts

Radioactive Decay

Radioactive decay is a natural process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation. This decay results in the transformation of an element into another, more stable isotope. The change happens when the nucleus emits particles and/or electromagnetic radiation. Radioactive decay is a random and spontaneous process, meaning that it occurs independently of external factors such as temperature and pressure.

During radioactive decay:

• Elements change into different isotopes or elements.
• Energy is released, usually in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves.
• The decay can involve various types of emissions, such as alpha, beta, or gamma radiation.

The transformation of Cesium-136 to Barium-136 is a result of this natural decay process. This type of change helps maintain the stability of atomic nuclei by achieving a stable configuration of protons and neutrons.

Beta Particle Emission

Beta particle emission is a common type of radioactive decay that involves the release of a beta particle from an atomic nucleus. In this process, a neutron in the nucleus transforms into a proton, releasing an electron, known as a beta-minus (\(\beta^-\)) particle. The atomic number of the element increases by one, although the mass number remains unchanged.

Key aspects of beta emission include:

• Increased atomic number due to proton conversion, leading to the formation of a new element.
• The beta particle (\(\beta^-\)) is simply a fast-moving electron ejected from the nucleus.
• This type of decay is characterized by neutron-rich conditions.

In the context of Cesium-136 decay, the emission of a beta particle allows the element to transition into Barium-136. This transmutation involves an increase in the atomic number from 55 to 56, illustrating the impact of beta emission on the atomic structure.

Cesium-136 Decay

Cesium-136 decay specifically demonstrates the principles of radioactive decay and beta particle emission. As an unstable isotope, Cesium-136 readily undergoes radioactive decay to achieve stability. The isotope decays into Barium-136 through the emission of a beta particle. In this transformation, the atomic number increases by one as Cesium (atomic number 55) becomes Barium (atomic number 56), while the mass number stays the same (136).

Understanding this decay involves recognizing the components of the nuclear equation:

• The initial reactant: Cesium-136 (\(^{136}_{55}Cs\)).
• The product: Barium-136 (\(^{136}_{56}Ba\)).
• The emitted beta particle (\(\beta^-\)).

This illustrates the balanced nature of nuclear equations, where both the sum of the atomic numbers and the sum of the mass numbers are equal on both sides. Such nuclear transformations underscore the dynamic processes shaping the atomic world.