Question

1. the symbol shown represents which type of nuclear decay? a. alpha b. beta c. gamma d. positron 2. which nuclear equation below represents beta decay? (1) $_{13}^{27}al + _{2}^{4}he \to _{15}^{30}p + _{0}^{1}n$ (2) $_{92}^{238}u \to _{90}^{234}th + _{2}^{4}he$ (3) $_{6}^{14}c \to _{7}^{14}n + _{-1}^{0}e$ (4) $_{18}^{37}ar + _{-1}^{0}e \to _{17}^{37}cl$ 3. what is the resulting isotope from the nuclear decay shown below? $_{53}^{131}i \to _{2}^{4}he + _____$ a. $_{55}^{135}cs$ b. $_{54}^{131}ne$ c. $_{52}^{131}te$ d. $_{51}^{127}sb$ 4. which type of radiation is the most harmful? a. alpha b. beta c. gamma d. positron 5. which statement best describes what happens in a fission reaction? a. heavy nuclei split into lighter nuclei. b. energy is released and less stable elements are formed. c. energy is absorbed and more stable elements are formed. d. light nuclei form into heavier nuclei. 6. which statement best describes what happens in a fusion reaction? a. energy is released and less stable elements are formed. b. heavy nuclei split into lighter nuclei. c. energy is absorbed and more stable elements are formed. d. light nuclei combine to form heavier nuclei.

Explanation:

1. The symbol \( \frac{4}{2}\text{He} \) represents an alpha particle, emitted in alpha decay.
2. Beta decay emits an electron (\( \frac{0}{-1}e \)); equation (3) shows this.
3. Alpha decay reduces mass by 4 (131-4=127) and atomic number by 2 (53-2=51), forming \( \frac{127}{51}\text{Sb} \).
4. Gamma radiation is most penetrating and harmful.
5. Fission involves heavy nuclei splitting into lighter ones.
6. Fusion involves light nuclei combining into heavier ones.

Answer:

1. a. Alpha
2. (3) \( \frac{14}{6}\text{C}

ightarrow \frac{14}{7}\text{N} + \frac{0}{-1}e \)

1. d. \( \frac{127}{51}\text{Sb} \)
2. c. Gamma
3. a. Heavy nuclei split into lighter nuclei.
4. d. Light nuclei combine to form heavier nuclei.