Q.5.79 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Write the balanced nuclear equation for each of the following radioactive emissions: 

a. an alpha particle from Hg-180

b. a beta particle from Au-198

c. a positron from Rb- 82

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Part (a)${}_{80}^{180}\mathrm{Hg}{\to }_{78}^{176}\mathrm{Pt}{+}_2^4\mathrm{He}$

Part (b)${}_{79}^{198}\mathrm{Au}{\to }_{80}^{198}\mathrm{Hg}{+}_{-1}^0\beta$

Part (c)${}_{37}^{82}Rb{\to }_{36}^{82}\mathrm{Kr}{+}_{+1}^{0}e$

Part (a) Step 1: Given Information

Alpha decay is a typical method of radioactive decay where a core discharges an alpha molecule.

An alpha particle from Hg-$180$.

Part (a) Step 2: Explanation

The balanced nuclear equation is,

${}_{80}^{180}\mathrm{Hg}{\to }_{78}^{176}\mathrm{Pt}{+}_2^4\mathrm{He}$

Part (b) Step 1: Given Information

Beta-decay is a typical method of radioactive decay where a core discharges a beta molecule.

A beta particle from Au-$198$.

Part (b) Step 2: Explanation

The balanced nuclear equation is,

${}_{79}^{198}\mathrm{Au}{\to }_{80}^{198}\mathrm{Hg}{+}_{-1}^0\beta$

Part (c) Step 1: Given Information

Positron emanation, beta plus decay is a subtype of radioactive decay considered beta decay, in which a proton inside a radionuclide core is changed over into a neutron while delivering a positron and an electron neutrino.

 A positron from Rb-$82$

Part (c) Step 2: Explanation

The balanced nuclear equation is,

${}_{37}^{82}Rb{\to }_{36}^{82}\mathrm{Kr}{+}_{+1}^{0}e$