Select The Correct Answer.Which Missing Item Would Complete This Beta Decay Reaction?$\[ {}_{58}^{131} I \rightarrow \quad + \quad {}_{-1}^0 \beta \\]A. \[${}_2^4 He\$\]B. \[${}_{53}^{132} I\$\]C. \[${}_1^0 N\$\]D.
Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (either a positron or an electron) is emitted from the nucleus of an atom. This process involves the transformation of a neutron into a proton, an electron, and a neutrino. In this article, we will explore a beta decay reaction and determine the missing item that would complete the reaction.
Beta Decay Reaction
The given beta decay reaction is:
{ {}_{58}^{131} I \rightarrow \quad + \quad {}_{-1}^0 \beta \}
In this reaction, the iodine-131 nucleus is undergoing beta decay, resulting in the emission of a beta particle. The beta particle is represented by the symbol and has a charge of and a mass of . The question is, what is the missing item that would complete this reaction?
Understanding the Reaction
To determine the missing item, we need to understand the process of beta decay. In beta decay, 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 neutrino is not observed. The proton remains in the nucleus, increasing the atomic number of the atom by one.
Analyzing the Options
Let's analyze the options given:
A. ${{}_2^4 He\$}$
B. ${{}_{53}^{132} I\$}$
C. ${{}_1^0 n\$}$
D. (no option provided)
Option A: Helium-4
Helium-4 is a stable nucleus with an atomic number of and a mass number of . However, in the given reaction, the iodine-131 nucleus is undergoing beta decay, resulting in an increase in the atomic number by one. Therefore, the resulting nucleus should have an atomic number of , not .
Option B: Iodine-132
Iodine-132 is a nucleus with an atomic number of and a mass number of . However, in the given reaction, the iodine-131 nucleus is undergoing beta decay, resulting in an increase in the mass number by one. Therefore, the resulting nucleus should have a mass number of , but the atomic number should be , not .
Option C: Neutron
A neutron has a mass number of and no charge. In beta decay, a neutron is converted into a proton, an electron, and a neutrino. Therefore, the missing item that would complete the reaction is a neutron.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the missing item that would complete the beta decay reaction is a neutron. The resulting nucleus would have an atomic number of and a mass number of , which is iodine-132. Therefore, the correct answer is:
In the previous article, we explored a beta decay reaction and determined the missing item that would complete the reaction. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about beta decay reactions.
Q: What is beta decay?
A: Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (either a positron or an electron) is emitted from the nucleus of an atom. This process involves the transformation of a neutron into a proton, an electron, and a neutrino.
Q: What is the difference between beta plus and beta minus decay?
A: Beta plus decay occurs when a proton in the nucleus of an atom is converted into a neutron, a positron, and a neutrino. Beta minus decay occurs when a neutron in the nucleus of an atom is converted into a proton, an electron, and a neutrino.
Q: What is the role of the neutrino in beta decay?
A: The neutrino is a particle that is emitted during beta decay. It is not observed and plays a crucial role in the conservation of energy and momentum in the decay process.
Q: Can beta decay occur in any nucleus?
A: No, beta decay can only occur in nuclei that have an excess of neutrons. If a nucleus has a stable number of neutrons, it will not undergo beta decay.
Q: What is the effect of beta decay on the atomic number of an atom?
A: Beta decay increases the atomic number of an atom by one. This is because a neutron is converted into a proton, resulting in an increase in the number of protons in the nucleus.
Q: What is the effect of beta decay on the mass number of an atom?
A: Beta decay does not change the mass number of an atom. The mass number remains the same, but the atomic number increases by one.
Q: Can beta decay occur in any type of nucleus?
A: No, beta decay can only occur in nuclei that have a certain number of protons and neutrons. If a nucleus has a stable number of protons and neutrons, it will not undergo beta decay.
Q: What is the significance of beta decay in nuclear physics?
A: Beta decay is an important process in nuclear physics that helps us understand the structure of the nucleus and the behavior of subatomic particles. It is also a key process in the formation of elements in the universe.
Q: Can beta decay be used to create new elements?
A: Yes, beta decay can be used to create new elements. By bombarding a nucleus with high-energy particles, we can create new elements through beta decay.
Q: What are some examples of beta decay reactions?
A: Some examples of beta decay reactions include:
-
{
{}{6}^{14} C \rightarrow \quad {}{7}^{14} N + \beta }$
-
{
{}{20}^{40} Ca \rightarrow \quad {}{21}^{40} Sc + \beta }$
-
{
{}{26}^{60} Fe \rightarrow \quad {}{27}^{60} Co + \beta }$
Conclusion
In conclusion, beta decay is an important process in nuclear physics that helps us understand the structure of the nucleus and the behavior of subatomic particles. By answering some frequently asked questions about beta decay reactions, we have gained a deeper understanding of this complex process.