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 understand and predict the behavior of radioactive elements. In this article, we will explore how to solve nuclear equations, focusing on the given equation:

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

Understanding the Equation

The given equation represents a nuclear reaction where an unknown nuclide, X, decays into Actinium-228 (Ac) and a beta particle (β). To solve for the nuclide symbol of X, we need to understand the properties of beta decay.

Beta Decay

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay where a neutron in the nucleus of an atom is converted into a proton, an electron (beta particle), and a neutrino. This process results in the atomic number of the nucleus increasing by one, while the mass number remains the same.

Applying Beta Decay to the Equation

In the given equation, the beta particle (β) has a mass number of 0 and an atomic number of -1. When the beta particle is emitted, the atomic number of the nucleus increases by 1, while the mass number remains the same.

Determining the Nuclide Symbol of X

To determine the nuclide symbol of X, we need to consider the properties of Actinium-228 (Ac) and the beta particle. Actinium-228 has an atomic number of 89 and a mass number of 228. Since the beta particle has a mass number of 0, the mass number of X remains the same, which is 228.

However, the atomic number of X increases by 1 due to the emission of the beta particle. Therefore, the atomic number of X is 89 + 1 = 90.

Conclusion

Based on the given equation and the properties of beta decay, we can conclude that the nuclide symbol of X is:

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

This is the correct answer, as the atomic number of X is 90, and the mass number is 228, which corresponds to Thorium-228.

Discussion

The given equation represents a nuclear reaction where an unknown nuclide, X, decays into Actinium-228 (Ac) and a beta particle (β). By understanding the properties of beta decay and applying them to the equation, we can determine the nuclide symbol of X.

Key Takeaways

  • Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay where a neutron is converted into a proton, an electron, and a neutrino.
  • The atomic number of the nucleus increases by 1, while the mass number remains the same, during beta decay.
  • To determine the nuclide symbol of X, we need to consider the properties of Actinium-228 (Ac) and the beta particle.
  • The mass number of X remains the same, which is 228, while the atomic number increases by 1 due to the emission of the beta particle.

Practice Problems

  1. A nuclide with an atomic number of 92 and a mass number of 238 decays into a beta particle and a new nuclide. What is the nuclide symbol of the new nuclide?
  2. A nuclide with an atomic number of 90 and a mass number of 232 decays into a beta particle and a new nuclide. What is the nuclide symbol of the new nuclide?

Solutions

  1. The new nuclide has an atomic number of 92 + 1 = 93 and a mass number of 238. Therefore, the nuclide symbol of the new nuclide is 93238Np{ {}_{93}^{238} \text{Np} }.
  2. The new nuclide has an atomic number of 90 + 1 = 91 and a mass number of 232. Therefore, the nuclide symbol of the new nuclide is 91232Pa{ {}_{91}^{232} \text{Pa} }.

Conclusion

Q: What is a nuclear equation?

A: A nuclear equation is a mathematical representation of a nuclear reaction, where an unknown nuclide decays into a new nuclide and a beta particle.

Q: What is beta decay?

A: Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay where a neutron in the nucleus of an atom is converted into a proton, an electron (beta particle), and a neutrino.

Q: How does beta decay affect the atomic number and mass number of a nuclide?

A: During beta decay, the atomic number of the nucleus increases by 1, while the mass number remains the same.

Q: What is the nuclide symbol of X in the given equation?

A: The nuclide symbol of X is 90228Th{ {}_{90}^{228} \text{Th} }.

Q: What is the difference between a nuclide and an atom?

A: A nuclide is a specific type of atom that has a unique combination of protons and neutrons in its nucleus. An atom, on the other hand, is a neutral particle that consists of a nucleus and electrons.

Q: What is the significance of the mass number in a nuclide?

A: The mass number of a nuclide represents the total number of protons and neutrons in its nucleus.

Q: Can a nuclide have a negative mass number?

A: No, a nuclide cannot have a negative mass number. The mass number is always a positive integer.

Q: What is the relationship between the atomic number and the number of protons in a nuclide?

A: The atomic number of a nuclide is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus.

Q: Can a nuclide have a negative atomic number?

A: No, a nuclide cannot have a negative atomic number. The atomic number is always a positive integer.

Q: What is the significance of the beta particle in a nuclear reaction?

A: The beta particle is a high-energy electron that is emitted during beta decay. It plays a crucial role in determining the properties of the new nuclide.

Q: Can a beta particle have a mass number greater than 0?

A: No, a beta particle always has a mass number of 0.

Q: What is the relationship between the beta particle and the new nuclide?

A: The beta particle is emitted during beta decay, resulting in the creation of a new nuclide with an increased atomic number.

Q: Can a nuclide undergo multiple beta decays?

A: Yes, a nuclide can undergo multiple beta decays, resulting in a series of new nuclides with increasing atomic numbers.

Q: What is the significance of the nuclide symbol in a nuclear reaction?

A: The nuclide symbol represents the unique combination of protons and neutrons in a nuclide's nucleus, providing a concise way to identify and describe the properties of a nuclide.

Q: Can a nuclide have a nuclide symbol with a negative atomic number?

A: No, a nuclide cannot have a nuclide symbol with a negative atomic number. The atomic number is always a positive integer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, nuclear equations are a fundamental concept in chemistry, allowing us to understand and predict the behavior of radioactive elements. By understanding the properties of beta decay and the behavior of nuclides, we can determine the nuclide symbol of X and solve for the unknown nuclide.