Question

1. examine the possibility of making gold atoms by alpha or beta decay as shown in these two illustrations. place the appropriate starting isotope in each equation. either write again here with your mouse/stylus, or complete the worksheet on your coursepack or journal and upload photos. :)

alpha decay:
_{79}^{197}au+alpha
beta decay:
_{79}^{197}au + \beta

Explanation:

Step1: Recall beta - decay equation

In beta - decay, a neutron in the nucleus changes into a proton, an electron (beta particle) and an antineutrino. The atomic number increases by 1 and the mass number remains the same. For gold - 197 ($_{79}^{197}Au$), the beta - decay equation is $_{79}^{197}Au
ightarrow_{80}^{197}Hg + _{- 1}^{0}\beta+\bar{
u}_e$.

Step2: Recall alpha - decay equation

In alpha - decay, the nucleus emits an alpha particle ($_{2}^{4}He$). The atomic number decreases by 2 and the mass number decreases by 4. For gold - 197 ($_{79}^{197}Au$), the alpha - decay equation is $_{79}^{197}Au
ightarrow_{77}^{193}Ir+_{2}^{4}He$.

Answer:

Beta - decay: $_{79}^{197}Au
ightarrow_{80}^{197}Hg + _{- 1}^{0}\beta+\bar{
u}_e$
Alpha - decay: $_{79}^{197}Au
ightarrow_{77}^{193}Ir+_{2}^{4}He$