Ch.21 - Nuclear Chemistry

Brown - Chemistry: The Central Science 15th Edition

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Brown 15th Edition

Ch.21 - Nuclear Chemistry

Problem 14c

Chapter 21, Problem 14c

Write balanced nuclear equations for the following transformations: (c) technicium-98 undergoes electron capture.

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Identify the initial isotope: Technetium-98 is represented as \( ^{98}_{43}\text{Tc} \).

Understand the process: Electron capture involves an inner orbital electron being captured by the nucleus, which combines with a proton to form a neutron.

Write the nuclear equation for electron capture: \( ^{98}_{43}\text{Tc} + ^{0}_{-1}e \rightarrow \text{X} \).

Determine the resulting element: Since a proton is converted to a neutron, the atomic number decreases by 1, resulting in \( ^{98}_{42}\text{Mo} \) (Molybdenum).

Complete the balanced nuclear equation: \( ^{98}_{43}\text{Tc} + ^{0}_{-1}e \rightarrow ^{98}_{42}\text{Mo} \).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Nuclear Reactions

Nuclear reactions involve changes in an atom's nucleus, resulting in the transformation of one element into another. These reactions can include processes such as alpha decay, beta decay, and electron capture, where particles are emitted or absorbed. Understanding the type of nuclear reaction is crucial for writing balanced nuclear equations.

Electron Capture

Electron capture is a type of radioactive decay in which an electron from the innermost energy level is captured by the nucleus, leading to the conversion of a proton into a neutron. This process decreases the atomic number of the element by one while keeping the mass number unchanged. Recognizing this transformation is essential for accurately balancing the nuclear equation.

Balancing Nuclear Equations

Balancing nuclear equations requires ensuring that the total number of protons and neutrons is the same on both sides of the equation. This involves accounting for the changes in atomic and mass numbers during nuclear transformations. Properly balancing these equations is fundamental to accurately representing the nuclear reaction and adhering to the conservation of mass and charge.

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Decay of which nucleus will lead to the following products: (a) bismuth-211 by beta decay?

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Write balanced nuclear equations for the following processes: (d) radium-226 emits alpha radiation.

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Decay of which nucleus will lead to the following products: (c) tantalum-179 by electron capture?

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Write balanced nuclear equations for the following transformations:

(b) nitrogen-13 undergoes electron capture.

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Decay of which nucleus will lead to the following products: (b) chromium-50 by positron emission?

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Write balanced nuclear equations for the following transformations: (a) bismuth-213 undergoes alpha decay.