Consider The Nuclear Equation Below:${ X \longrightarrow{ } {89}^{228} \text{Ac} + { } {-1}^0 \beta }$What Is The Nuclide Symbol Of { X $}$?A. { { } {90}^{230} \text{Th}$}$ B. { { } {89}^{229} \text{Ac}$}$ C.

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Introduction

Nuclear equations are a fundamental concept in chemistry, allowing us to describe the changes that occur within the nucleus of an atom. These equations are crucial in understanding various nuclear reactions, including radioactive decay, nuclear fission, and nuclear fusion. In this article, we will delve into a specific nuclear equation and explore the steps involved in solving it.

The Nuclear Equation

The given nuclear equation is:

X⟶89228Ac+−10β{ X \longrightarrow{ }_{89}^{228} \text{Ac} + { }_{-1}^0 \beta }

In this equation, we have a nuclide XX that undergoes radioactive decay, resulting in the formation of a new nuclide, 228Ac^{228}\text{Ac}, and a beta particle, β\beta. Our goal is to determine the nuclide symbol of XX.

Step 1: Understanding Beta Decay

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a neutron in the nucleus of an atom is converted into a proton, an electron, and a neutrino. The electron is emitted as a beta particle, while the proton remains in the nucleus, increasing the atomic number of the nuclide by one unit.

Step 2: Identifying the Nuclide 228Ac^{228}\text{Ac}

The nuclide 228Ac^{228}\text{Ac} is an actinium isotope with an atomic number of 89 and a mass number of 228. This information will be crucial in determining the nuclide symbol of XX.

Step 3: Determining the Nuclide Symbol of XX

To determine the nuclide symbol of XX, we need to consider the changes that occur during beta decay. Since a neutron is converted into a proton, the atomic number of the nuclide increases by one unit. Therefore, the atomic number of XX is one unit higher than that of 228Ac^{228}\text{Ac}.

The mass number of XX remains the same, as the mass of a neutron and a proton are approximately equal. Therefore, the mass number of XX is also 228.

Conclusion

Based on the information provided, we can conclude that the nuclide symbol of XX is:

90228Th{ { }_{90}^{228} \text{Th} }

This nuclide has an atomic number of 90 and a mass number of 228, making it a thorium isotope.

Answer

The correct answer is:

A. {{ }_{90}^{228} \text{Th}$}$

Discussion

This problem requires a thorough understanding of nuclear equations and the processes involved in radioactive decay. By breaking down the problem into smaller steps and analyzing the changes that occur during beta decay, we can determine the nuclide symbol of XX.

Key Concepts

  • Nuclear equations
  • Radioactive decay
  • Beta decay
  • Nuclide symbols
  • Atomic numbers
  • Mass numbers

Applications

Understanding nuclear equations and the processes involved in radioactive decay has numerous applications in various fields, including:

  • Nuclear medicine
  • Nuclear power generation
  • Radiation therapy
  • Environmental monitoring

By mastering these concepts, individuals can pursue careers in fields such as nuclear engineering, radiation safety, and environmental science.

Conclusion

Q: What is a nuclear equation?

A: A nuclear equation is a mathematical representation of a nuclear reaction, which describes the changes that occur within the nucleus of an atom. These equations are crucial in understanding various nuclear reactions, including radioactive decay, nuclear fission, and nuclear fusion.

Q: What is radioactive decay?

A: Radioactive decay is a process in which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves. This process occurs when an atom's nucleus has too many or too few neutrons, causing it to become unstable and release energy to become more stable.

Q: What is beta decay?

A: Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a neutron in the nucleus of an atom is converted into a proton, an electron, and a neutrino. The electron is emitted as a beta particle, while the proton remains in the nucleus, increasing the atomic number of the nuclide by one unit.

Q: What is the difference between alpha and beta decay?

A: Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atom's nucleus emits an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons. This process decreases the atomic number of the nuclide by two units and the mass number by four units. Beta decay, on the other hand, increases the atomic number of the nuclide by one unit and leaves the mass number unchanged.

Q: What is the nuclide symbol of an atom?

A: The nuclide symbol of an atom is a representation of the atom's nucleus, which consists of the atomic number (number of protons) and the mass number (total number of protons and neutrons). The nuclide symbol is written in the format: {{ }_{\text{atomic number}}^{\text{mass number}} \text{Element}$}$

Q: How do I determine the nuclide symbol of an atom that undergoes radioactive decay?

A: To determine the nuclide symbol of an atom that undergoes radioactive decay, you need to consider the changes that occur during the decay process. If the decay is a beta decay, the atomic number of the nuclide increases by one unit, while the mass number remains the same. If the decay is an alpha decay, the atomic number decreases by two units and the mass number decreases by four units.

Q: What are some common types of radioactive decay?

A: Some common types of radioactive decay include:

  • Alpha decay: emission of an alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons)
  • Beta decay: emission of a beta particle (electron or positron)
  • Gamma decay: emission of gamma radiation (high-energy electromagnetic waves)
  • Electron capture: capture of an electron by the nucleus, resulting in a decrease in atomic number

Q: What are some applications of nuclear equations and radioactive decay?

A: Nuclear equations and radioactive decay have numerous applications in various fields, including:

  • Nuclear medicine: use of radioactive isotopes for medical imaging and treatment
  • Nuclear power generation: use of nuclear reactions to generate electricity
  • Radiation therapy: use of high-energy radiation to treat cancer
  • Environmental monitoring: use of radioactive isotopes to study environmental processes

Q: How can I learn more about nuclear equations and radioactive decay?

A: To learn more about nuclear equations and radioactive decay, you can:

  • Take courses in nuclear physics and chemistry
  • Read textbooks and online resources on nuclear physics and chemistry
  • Participate in online forums and discussions on nuclear physics and chemistry
  • Conduct experiments and simulations to visualize nuclear reactions and decay processes