Problem 50 - A Complete Resource Book in Chemistry for JEE Main

Question

Loss of a \(\beta\) particle is equivalent to (a) increase of one proton only (b) decrease of one neutron only (c) both (a) and (b) (d) none of these

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(c) both (a) and (b)

Step 1: Understanding Beta Decay

Beta (b2) decay is a radioactive process where a beta particle, which is an electron (b2^-), is emitted from an atomic nucleus. This happens when a neutron is converted into a proton. This change in the nucleus increases the atomic number by one, but the mass number remains unchanged.

Step 2: Identifying the Effects of Beta Decay

In beta decay, because there is a conversion of a neutron to a proton, the number of protons in the nucleus increases by one, leading to an increase in the atomic number of the element. Thus, a new element is formed that is one atomic number higher than the original element.

Step 3: Analyzing the Options

Since beta decay results in an increase in the number of protons by one and simultaneously a decrease in neutrons by one (as a neutron is converted), both Effects (a) and (b) occur. Thus we are looking for an option that lists both effects.

Step 4: Selecting the Correct Option

Given that both an increase of one proton and a decrease of one neutron occur during beta decay, the correct option is (c) both (a) and (b). This choice reflects both the increase of a proton and the decrease of a neutron.

Key Concepts

Radioactive Process

Radioactive processes are natural phenomena where unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation. This emission helps the atom reach a more stable state. One well-known type of radioactive process is beta decay. During beta decay, a beta particle, which is essentially an electron or its positively charged counterpart, is ejected from the nucleus. This process plays a crucial role in the transformation of elements, as it can lead to changes in the atomic number of an atom.

• Beta decay helps nuclei become more stable.
• It involves the transformation of particles within the nucleus, often altering the identity of an element.
• By understanding this process, scientists can trace the transformations of elements in nature.

In summary, radioactive processes, including beta decay, are fundamental to our understanding of nuclear physics and are essential for various applications, from medical treatments to understanding cosmic phenomena.

Atomic Nucleus

The atomic nucleus is at the heart of an atom. It contains protons and neutrons, collectively known as nucleons. The protons are positively charged, while neutrons carry no charge—making the nucleus extremely dense but generally stable due to the strong nuclear force holding it together.

• The number of protons in the nucleus defines the element's identity and its position on the periodic table.
• Neutrons contribute to the mass of the atom and contribute to nuclear stability.
• Changes in the nucleus, such as those caused by beta decay, directly affect the atom's properties.

Overall, the atomic nucleus is the core that determines most of an atom's properties, and its composition of protons and neutrons is key to the behavior and transformations of elements.

Atomic Number

The atomic number is a fundamental characteristic of an element, representing the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. It essentially defines the identity of an element on the periodic table.

• In a neutral atom, the atomic number also equals the number of electrons.
• During beta decay, the atomic number increases by one since a neutron is converted into a proton.
• This change can result in the formation of a completely new element.

Understanding the atomic number is crucial for comprehending how elements are organized and how radioactive processes like beta decay can transform one element into another.

Neutron to Proton Conversion

Neutron to proton conversion is a vital component of beta decay. This process involves a neutron in the atomic nucleus being transformed into a proton. This conversion is crucial as it changes the balance of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, leading to a change in the atomic number while keeping the atomic mass the same.

• This process increases the atomic number by one and changes the element to the next higher on the periodic table.
• The mass number remains unchanged because a neutron and a proton have approximately the same mass.
• This transformation explains the production of electrons or positrons during beta decay.

In conclusion, neutron to proton conversion is an essential mechanism in nuclear reactions, fundamentally altering the nature and stability of elements through processes such as beta decay.