Q.5.1 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Identify the type of particle or radiation for each of the following: 

a. ${}_2{}^4\mathrm{He}$

b. ${}_{+1}{}^0\mathrm{e}$

c. ${}_0{}^0\mathrm{\gamma }$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

a. It is an alpha particle

b. It is a positron

c. It is a gamma radiation

Step 1: Part (a) Given Information

We need to identify this particle: ${}_2{}^4\mathrm{He}$.

Step 2: Part (a) Explanation

An alpha particle is similar to a helium (He) atom, which has 2 protons and 2 neutrons. An alpha particle has an atomic mass of four, an atomic number of two, and a charge of $2+$. It is represented as alpha $\left(\mathrm{\alpha }\right)$or the symbol of a helium nucleus except that the 2+ charge is omitted.

Thus, ${}_2{}^4\mathrm{He}$ is an alpha particle.

Step 1: Part (a) Given Information

We need to identify this particle:  ${}_{+1}{}^0\mathrm{e}$

Step 2: Part (b) Explanation

A positron is identical to a beta particle. It has a positive $(1+)$ charge with an atomic mass of 0. It is represented by the Greek letter beta with a 1+ charge,$\left(\mathrm{\beta }\right)$, or by the symbol of an electron, which includes the mass number and the charge $(+1\mathrm{e})$.

Thus,  ${}_{+1}{}^0\mathrm{e}$ is a positron.

Step 1: Part (a) Given Information

We need to identify this particle: ${}_0{}^0\mathrm{\gamma }$

Step 2: Part (b) Explanation

Gamma rays are high-energy radiation It is released when an unstable nucleus gives a more stable, lower energy nucleus undergoing rearrangement. A gamma-ray can be represented as gamma $\left(\mathrm{\gamma }\right)$. Because gamma rays are energy only since gamma rays have no charge and mass thus zero is used in place of it.

Thus, ${}_0{}^0\mathrm{\gamma }$ is a gamma radiation.