Problem 3 - Chemistry An Atoms First Approach

Question

Which type of radioactive decay has the net effect of changing a neutron into a proton? Which type of decay has the net effect of turning a proton into a neutron?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Beta-minus (β-) decay has the net effect of changing a neutron into a proton, while beta-plus (β+) decay or positron emission has the net effect of turning a proton into a neutron.

Step 1: Identify the decay that changes a neutron into a proton

There are different types of radioactive decay, and one type is called beta (β) decay, more specifically, beta-minus (β-) decay. In beta-minus decay, a neutron is changed into a proton. This type of decay involves the emission of an electron (e-) and an antineutrino (\(\bar{\nu}\)). An example of this type of decay is: \[n \rightarrow p + e^{-} + \bar{\nu}\] In this equation, n (neutron) changes into p (proton) by emitting an electron (e-) and an antineutrino (\(\bar{\nu}\)). Therefore, beta-minus decay changes a neutron into a proton.

Step 2: Identify the decay that changes a proton into a neutron

Now, we want to identify the type of radioactive decay that changes a proton into a neutron. This type is called beta-plus (β+) decay or positron emission. In beta-plus decay, a proton is changed into a neutron. This type of decay involves the emission of a positron (e+) and a neutrino (ν). An example of this type of decay is: \[p \rightarrow n + e^{+} + \nu\] In this equation, p (proton) changes into n (neutron) by emitting a positron (e+) and a neutrino (ν). Therefore, beta-plus decay changes a proton into a neutron.