Predict The Missing Component In The Nuclear Equation.$\[ {}_{20}^{45} \text{Ca} \rightarrow {}_{21}^{45} \text{Sc} + X \\]A. $\[ {}_{-1}^0 \text{e} \\]B. $\[ {}_0^0 \gamma \\]C. $\[ {}_2^4 \text{He} \\]
Understanding Nuclear Equations
Nuclear equations are a fundamental concept in chemistry, describing the process of nuclear reactions where atomic nuclei undergo changes. These changes can result in the formation of new elements, the emission of radiation, or the absorption of particles. In this article, we will focus on predicting the missing component in a nuclear equation.
The Given Equation
The given nuclear equation is:
In this equation, calcium-45 (Ca-45) is the parent nucleus, and scandium-45 (Sc-45) is the daughter nucleus. The unknown component is represented by X.
Balancing Nuclear Equations
To balance a nuclear equation, we need to ensure that the number of protons (atomic number) and the number of neutrons (mass number) are conserved on both sides of the equation. The atomic number is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus, while the mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons.
Step 1: Identify the Atomic Number and Mass Number
The atomic number of calcium (Ca) is 20, and its mass number is 45. The atomic number of scandium (Sc) is 21, and its mass number is also 45.
Step 2: Determine the Type of Nuclear Reaction
Since the atomic number of the daughter nucleus (Sc-45) is greater than that of the parent nucleus (Ca-45) by 1, this is a beta minus (β-) decay reaction. In a β- decay reaction, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton, an electron (β-), and a neutrino.
Step 3: Predict the Missing Component
Based on the type of nuclear reaction, we can predict the missing component. In a β- decay reaction, the missing component is an electron (β-).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the missing component in the given nuclear equation is an electron (β-). The balanced nuclear equation is:
Understanding the Options
Now that we have predicted the missing component, let's analyze the options provided:
A. ${ {}_{-1}^0 \text{e} }$ B. ${ {}_0^0 \gamma }$ C. ${ {}_2^4 \text{He} }$
Option A: Electron (β-)
As we have already determined, the missing component is an electron (β-). This option is correct.
Option B: Gamma Ray (γ)
Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted by the nucleus during certain types of radioactive decay. However, in this case, the reaction is a β- decay, and the missing component is an electron, not a gamma ray.
Option C: Helium-4 (He-4)
Helium-4 is a stable nucleus with an atomic number of 2 and a mass number of 4. This option is not relevant to the given nuclear equation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the missing component in the given nuclear equation is an electron (β-). The balanced nuclear equation is:
Final Thoughts
Frequently Asked Questions
In the previous article, we discussed how to balance nuclear equations and predicted the missing component in a given equation. Here, we will address some frequently asked questions related to balancing nuclear equations.
Q: What is the difference between a nuclear reaction and a chemical reaction?
A: A nuclear reaction involves changes to the nucleus of an atom, whereas a chemical reaction involves changes to the electrons surrounding the nucleus. Nuclear reactions can result in the formation of new elements, while chemical reactions involve the formation of new compounds.
Q: What is the atomic number, and how is it related to the number of protons in an atom?
A: The atomic number is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. It is a unique identifier for each element and determines the element's position in the periodic table.
Q: What is the mass number, and how is it related to the number of protons and neutrons in an atom?
A: The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. It is a measure of the atom's mass and is used to identify isotopes of an element.
Q: What is beta minus (β-) decay, and how does it occur?
A: Beta minus (β-) decay is a type of radioactive decay where a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton, an electron (β-), and a neutrino. This process occurs when a nucleus has too many neutrons and needs to stabilize itself.
Q: What is gamma ray (γ) emission, and how does it occur?
A: Gamma ray (γ) emission is a type of radioactive decay where a nucleus releases excess energy in the form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation. This process occurs when a nucleus has a high-energy state and needs to release excess energy.
Q: How do I balance a nuclear equation?
A: To balance a nuclear equation, you need to ensure that the number of protons (atomic number) and the number of neutrons (mass number) are conserved on both sides of the equation. You can do this by identifying the type of nuclear reaction and predicting the missing component.
Q: What are some common types of nuclear reactions?
A: Some common types of nuclear reactions include:
- Alpha decay: a nucleus emits an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons)
- Beta minus (β-) decay: a nucleus emits an electron (β-) and a neutrino
- Beta plus (β+) decay: a nucleus emits a positron (β+) and a neutrino
- Gamma ray (γ) emission: a nucleus releases excess energy in the form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation
Q: What are some real-world applications of nuclear reactions?
A: Nuclear reactions have many real-world applications, including:
- Nuclear power generation: nuclear reactions are used to generate electricity in nuclear power plants
- Medical applications: nuclear reactions are used in medical imaging and cancer treatment
- Food irradiation: nuclear reactions are used to sterilize food and extend its shelf life
- Space exploration: nuclear reactions are used to power spacecraft and provide energy for space missions
Conclusion
Balancing nuclear equations requires a thorough understanding of the atomic number and mass number of the nuclei involved. By identifying the type of nuclear reaction and predicting the missing component, we can accurately balance the equation. This knowledge is essential in understanding various nuclear reactions and their applications in chemistry and physics.