What particle is produced in each of the following decay reactions? (a)

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Identify the type of decay reaction involved in the problem. Common types include alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay.

For alpha decay, recognize that an alpha particle (\( ^4_2\text{He} \)) is emitted, which decreases the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4.

For beta decay, determine if it is beta-minus (\( \beta^- \)) or beta-plus (\( \beta^+ \)) decay. In beta-minus decay, a neutron is converted into a proton, emitting an electron and an antineutrino. In beta-plus decay, a proton is converted into a neutron, emitting a positron and a neutrino.

For gamma decay, understand that it involves the emission of a gamma photon (\( \gamma \)), which does not change the atomic number or mass number but releases energy.

Apply the appropriate decay process to the given reaction to identify the particle produced, ensuring that both the atomic number and mass number are balanced on both sides of the equation.

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Key Concepts

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

Radioactive Decay

Radioactive decay is a process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. This can occur in various forms, including alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay, each resulting in the transformation of the original nucleus into a different element or isotope. Understanding the type of decay is crucial for predicting the particles produced.

Alpha Particles

Alpha particles are a type of radiation consisting of two protons and two neutrons, essentially a helium nucleus. They are emitted during alpha decay, which typically occurs in heavy elements like uranium and radium. The emission of an alpha particle reduces the atomic number of the original nucleus by two, resulting in a new element.

Beta Particles

Beta particles are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted during beta decay. In beta minus decay, a neutron is converted into a proton, emitting an electron and an antineutrino, while in beta plus decay, a proton is converted into a neutron, emitting a positron and a neutrino. This process changes the atomic number of the nucleus, leading to the formation of a different element.