Problem 5 - Chemistry

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

The type of radioactive decay that has the net effect of changing a neutron into a proton is beta-minus decay, denoted by the equation: \(n -> p + e^{-} + \bar{v}_e\). Conversely, the type of radioactive decay that has the net effect of turning a proton into a neutron is beta-plus decay, denoted by the equation: \(p -> n + e^{+} + v_e\).

Step 1: Review the types of radioactive decay

There are several types of radioactive decay, but the most common ones are alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay. We need to focus on beta decay, as this type of decay involves the conversion of neutrons and protons. There are two types of beta decay: beta-minus decay and beta-plus decay.

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

During a beta-minus decay, a neutron is converted into a proton, and a high-energy electron (called a beta particle) is released. The equation for beta-minus decay is: \[n -> p + e^{-} + \bar{v}_e\] where \(n\) is the neutron, \(p\) is a proton, \(e^{-}\) is the beta particle (electron), and \(\bar{v}_e\) is an anti-neutrino. So, the type of radioactive decay with the net effect of changing a neutron into a proton is the beta-minus decay.

Step 3: Identify the decay that changes a proton into a neutron

During a beta-plus decay, a proton is converted into a neutron, and a high-energy positron (the antimatter counterpart of the electron) is released. The equation for beta-plus decay is: \[p -> n + e^{+} + v_e\] where \(p\) is the proton, \(n\) is a neutron, \(e^{+}\) is the positron, and \(v_e\) is a neutrino. So, the type of radioactive decay with the net effect of changing a proton into a neutron is the beta-plus decay. To summarize: - The type of radioactive decay with the net effect of changing a neutron into a proton is beta-minus decay. - The type of radioactive decay with the net effect of changing a proton into a neutron is beta-plus decay.