Question

1. determine the other product of the following decay examples: a. ^{242}cm→^{4}he + ______ b. ^{63}ni→^{0}e + ______ c. what type of decay is shown in a? d. what type of decay is shown in b?

Explanation:

Step1: Balance mass - number and atomic - number for part a

In a nuclear decay, the sum of mass - numbers and atomic - numbers on both sides of the equation must be equal. The atomic number of $Cm$ (Curium) is 96 and its mass - number is 242, and for $He$ (Helium) the atomic number is 2 and mass - number is 4. Let the unknown product have atomic number $Z$ and mass - number $A$. Then $A = 242−4=238$ and $Z = 96 - 2=94$. The element with atomic number 94 is $Pu$ (Plutonium). So the product is $^{238}Pu$.

Step2: Balance mass - number and atomic - number for part b

The atomic number of $Ni$ (Nickel) is 28 and its mass - number is 63, and for the electron ($e$) the atomic number is - 1 and mass - number is 0. Let the unknown product have atomic number $Z$ and mass - number $A$. Then $A=63−0 = 63$ and $Z=28+1 = 29$. The element with atomic number 29 is $Cu$ (Copper). So the product is $^{63}Cu$.

Step3: Identify decay type for part c

In part a, an alpha - particle ($^{4}He$) is emitted. This is alpha - decay.

Step4: Identify decay type for part d

In part b, an electron ($^{0}_{- 1}e$) is emitted. This is beta - decay.

Answer:

a. $^{238}Pu$
b. $^{63}Cu$
c. Alpha - decay
d. Beta - decay