Americium-241, a radioisotope used in smoke detectors, decays by a series of 12 reactions involving sequential loss of a, a, b, a, a, b, a, a, a, b, a, and b particles. Identify each intermediate nucleus and the final stable product nucleus.

Verified step by step guidance

1. insert step 1: Understand the decay process. Americium-241 undergoes a series of alpha (α) and beta (β) decays. An alpha particle consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, which means the atomic number decreases by 2 and the mass number decreases by 4. A beta particle is an electron, which means the atomic number increases by 1 while the mass number remains unchanged.
2. insert step 2: Start with Americium-241 (Am-241). The atomic number of Americium is 95.
3. insert step 3: Apply the first decay step: alpha decay. This will decrease the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4.
4. insert step 4: Continue applying the decay steps in sequence: alpha, beta, alpha, alpha, beta, alpha, alpha, alpha, beta, alpha, beta. After each step, update the atomic number and mass number accordingly.
5. insert step 5: After completing all 12 decay steps, identify the final stable product nucleus by checking the atomic number and mass number.

Key Concepts

Radioactive Decay

Radioactive decay is the process by which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation. This can occur through various types of decay, including alpha (α) and beta (β) decay. In alpha decay, the nucleus emits an alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons), while in beta decay, a neutron is converted into a proton, emitting a beta particle (an electron or positron). Understanding these processes is crucial for tracking the changes in the nucleus during decay.

Nuclear Reactions

Nuclear reactions involve changes in an atom's nucleus and can result in the formation of different elements or isotopes. Each decay event alters the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, leading to the creation of intermediate nuclei. By following the sequence of decay events, one can determine the identity of each intermediate nucleus and ultimately the final stable product, which is often a non-radioactive isotope.

Decay Series

A decay series is a sequence of decays that a radioactive isotope undergoes until it reaches a stable end product. In the case of Americium-241, the series involves multiple steps of alpha and beta decay, each producing a different intermediate nucleus. Understanding the specific sequence of emissions is essential for identifying each intermediate and the final stable nucleus, which is typically a stable isotope of a different element.