Which Represents The Balanced Nuclear Equation For The Beta Minus Decay Of Co-60?A. { { } {27}^{60} \text{Co} \rightarrow { } {26}^{60} \text{Fe} + { } {+1}^{0} \text{e}$} B . \[ B. \[ B . \[ { } {27}^{60} \text{Co} \rightarrow { }_{28}^{60} \text{Ni}
Beta minus decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (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 the balanced nuclear equation for the beta minus decay of Co-60, a radioactive isotope of cobalt.
What is Beta Minus Decay?
Beta minus decay is a type of radioactive decay that occurs when a neutron in the nucleus of an atom is converted into a proton, an electron, and a neutrino. This process is also known as beta decay. The electron is emitted from the nucleus as a beta particle, while the neutrino is emitted as a neutral particle. The proton remains in the nucleus, increasing the atomic number of the element by one unit.
The Balanced Nuclear Equation for Co-60
The balanced nuclear equation for the beta minus decay of Co-60 is:
{{ }{27}^{60} \text{Co} \rightarrow { }{26}^{60} \text{Fe} + { }_{+1}^{0} \text{e}$}$
In this equation, Co-60 (cobalt-60) is the parent nucleus, and Fe-60 (iron-60) is the daughter nucleus. The beta particle (electron) is emitted from the nucleus as a result of the decay.
Why is the Equation Balanced?
The balanced nuclear equation for Co-60 is balanced because the number of protons and neutrons on both sides of the equation is the same. On the left side of the equation, Co-60 has 27 protons and 33 neutrons. On the right side of the equation, Fe-60 has 26 protons and 34 neutrons. The beta particle (electron) has a charge of -1, which is balanced by the +1 charge of the neutrino.
Comparison with Other Options
Let's compare the balanced nuclear equation for Co-60 with the other options:
A. {{ }{27}^{60} \text{Co} \rightarrow { }{26}^{60} \text{Fe} + { }_{+1}^{0} \text{e}$}$
This equation is the correct balanced nuclear equation for the beta minus decay of Co-60.
B. {{ }{27}^{60} \text{Co} \rightarrow { }{28}^{60} \text{Ni}$}$
This equation is incorrect because it does not show the beta particle (electron) being emitted from the nucleus.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the balanced nuclear equation for the beta minus decay of Co-60 is:
{{ }{27}^{60} \text{Co} \rightarrow { }{26}^{60} \text{Fe} + { }_{+1}^{0} \text{e}$}$
This equation shows the transformation of a neutron into a proton, an electron, and a neutrino, resulting in the emission of a beta particle (electron) from the nucleus.
Understanding the Role of Neutrons and Protons
Neutrons and protons are two types of subatomic particles that make up the nucleus of an atom. Neutrons have no charge, while protons have a positive charge. The number of neutrons and protons in an atom determines the atomic mass and atomic number of the element, respectively.
The Importance of Beta Minus Decay
Beta minus decay is an important process in nuclear physics that helps us understand the behavior of radioactive isotopes. It is a type of radioactive decay that occurs when a neutron in the nucleus of an atom is converted into a proton, an electron, and a neutrino. This process is also known as beta decay.
Applications of Beta Minus Decay
Beta minus decay has several applications in nuclear physics and chemistry. Some of the applications include:
- Nuclear medicine: Beta minus decay is used in nuclear medicine to produce radioactive isotopes for medical imaging and cancer treatment.
- Nuclear power: Beta minus decay is used in nuclear power plants to produce electricity.
- Radiation detection: Beta minus decay is used in radiation detection instruments to detect and measure radiation levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the balanced nuclear equation for the beta minus decay of Co-60 is:
{{ }{27}^{60} \text{Co} \rightarrow { }{26}^{60} \text{Fe} + { }_{+1}^{0} \text{e}$}$
Q: What is beta minus decay?
A: Beta minus decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a beta particle (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 minus decay and beta plus decay?
A: Beta minus decay occurs when a neutron in the nucleus of an atom is converted into a proton, an electron, and a neutrino. Beta plus decay, on the other hand, occurs when a proton in the nucleus of an atom is converted into a neutron, a positron, and a neutrino.
Q: What is the role of neutrons and protons in beta minus decay?
A: Neutrons and protons are two types of subatomic particles that make up the nucleus of an atom. In beta minus decay, a neutron is converted into a proton, an electron, and a neutrino. This process increases the atomic number of the element by one unit.
Q: What is the significance of the beta particle (electron) in beta minus decay?
A: The beta particle (electron) is emitted from the nucleus as a result of the decay. It has a negative charge and is a type of radiation.
Q: What is the neutrino in beta minus decay?
A: The neutrino is a neutral particle that is emitted from the nucleus as a result of the decay. It has a very small mass and is a type of radiation.
Q: What is the difference between beta minus decay and alpha decay?
A: Beta minus decay occurs when a neutron in the nucleus of an atom is converted into a proton, an electron, and a neutrino. Alpha decay, on the other hand, occurs when an alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons) is emitted from the nucleus of an atom.
Q: What are some applications of beta minus decay?
A: Beta minus decay has several applications in nuclear physics and chemistry, including:
- Nuclear medicine: Beta minus decay is used in nuclear medicine to produce radioactive isotopes for medical imaging and cancer treatment.
- Nuclear power: Beta minus decay is used in nuclear power plants to produce electricity.
- Radiation detection: Beta minus decay is used in radiation detection instruments to detect and measure radiation levels.
Q: What are some examples of radioactive isotopes that undergo beta minus decay?
A: Some examples of radioactive isotopes that undergo beta minus decay include:
- Cobalt-60 (Co-60): This isotope undergoes beta minus decay to produce iron-60 (Fe-60).
- Strontium-90 (Sr-90): This isotope undergoes beta minus decay to produce yttrium-90 (Y-90).
- Zirconium-89 (Zr-89): This isotope undergoes beta minus decay to produce niobium-89 (Nb-89).
Q: What are some safety precautions that should be taken when working with radioactive isotopes that undergo beta minus decay?
A: When working with radioactive isotopes that undergo beta minus decay, it is essential to take safety precautions to minimize exposure to radiation. These precautions include:
- Wearing protective clothing: Wear protective clothing, including gloves and a lab coat, to prevent skin contact with radioactive materials.
- Using radiation detection instruments: Use radiation detection instruments to detect and measure radiation levels.
- Following proper handling and storage procedures: Follow proper handling and storage procedures to prevent accidents and minimize exposure to radiation.
Q: What are some common sources of beta minus radiation?
A: Some common sources of beta minus radiation include:
- Radioactive isotopes: Radioactive isotopes, such as cobalt-60 (Co-60) and strontium-90 (Sr-90), can emit beta minus radiation.
- Nuclear reactors: Nuclear reactors can produce beta minus radiation as a byproduct of nuclear fission.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy, used to treat cancer, can involve the use of beta minus radiation.
Q: What are some common effects of beta minus radiation on living organisms?
A: Beta minus radiation can have several effects on living organisms, including:
- DNA damage: Beta minus radiation can cause damage to DNA, leading to mutations and genetic disorders.
- Cell death: Beta minus radiation can cause cell death, leading to tissue damage and organ dysfunction.
- Cancer: Beta minus radiation can increase the risk of cancer, particularly in individuals who are exposed to high levels of radiation.
Q: How can beta minus radiation be detected and measured?
A: Beta minus radiation can be detected and measured using radiation detection instruments, such as Geiger counters and scintillation counters. These instruments can detect and measure the energy and intensity of beta minus radiation.