Problem 11 - Chemistry in 30 days

Question

Tritium undergoes radioactive decay giving (a) \(\alpha\)-particles (b) \(\beta\)-particles (c) Neutrons (d) \(\bar{\chi}_{\text {rays }}\)

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Tritium undergoes radioactive decay giving (b) beta-particles.

Step 1: Identify Type of Decay

Tritium is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen with the symbol {\(^3_1\text{H}\)}. Tritium decays through a process known as beta decay.

Step 2: Confirm Particle Emission

During beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus is transformed into a proton, and a beta particle (which is an electron) is emitted, along with an antineutrino.

Step 3: Relate to Given Options

From the given options, identify the particles emitted during beta decay. \(\beta\text{-particles}\) is option (b).

Key Concepts

Tritium

Tritium is a unique and interesting form of hydrogen. It's actually one of the three isotopes of hydrogen.

• Symbol: Tritium is represented as { ^3_1 ext{H} }, meaning it has one proton and two neutrons in its nucleus.
• Radioactive: Unlike the more common isotope, protium (which has no neutrons), tritium is unstable and radioactive.

This instability leads to a natural process known as radioactive decay, where tritium releases energy to become a more stable form. The decay process of tritium is specifically known as beta decay. Tritium is not just a scientific novelty. It is used in various applications due to its radioactive properties, such as in self-powered lighting and as a tracer in environmental studies to track movement of water.

Beta Particles

When tritium undergoes radioactive decay, it releases beta particles. These particles are a type of radiation. Here’s what you need to know about beta particles:

• Nature: A beta particle is essentially an electron, albeit one emitted from a nucleus rather than an atom’s electron cloud.
• Emission Process: During beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton. In this process, a beta particle (electron) and an antineutrino are emitted.
• Penetration: Beta particles can penetrate the skin but are generally stopped by a piece of paper or a layer of clothing.

The release of these particles changes the composition of the nucleus, transforming tritium (a form of hydrogen) into helium.

Isotopes

Isotopes are different forms of the same element. They have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.

• Tritium as an Isotope: Tritium is an isotope of hydrogen with two neutrons, which differentiates it from the other isotopes:
  • Protium: The most common isotope with no neutrons.
  • Deuterium: Another isotope with one neutron.
• Importance: Isotopes are crucial in various scientific fields. They help in understanding elemental abundance in nature and are used in techniques like carbon dating.

The properties of isotopes, such as the instability of tritium leading to beta decay, make them valuable in many scientific applications, including nuclear physics and chemistry.

Nuclear Physics

Nuclear physics is the branch of physics that deals with the structure and behavior of atomic nuclei. It's a field that explains phenomena like radioactivity.

• Radioactivity: This is the process by which unstable nuclei emit particles and energy. Tritium decaying by emitting beta particles is one such example.
• Beta Decay: In nuclear physics, the concept of beta decay is crucial. It's a process that changes the identity of an element by converting a neutron to a proton.
• Applications: Understanding nuclear physics helps in harnessing nuclear energy, developing medical diagnostics techniques, and ensuring radiation safety.

Nuclear physics not only provides insights into the fundamental forces that hold the nucleus together but also applies these principles in various technological and medical advancements.