Radioactive 100Tc decays to form 100Mo. There are two possible pa...

Question

Radioactive 100Tc decays to form 100Mo. There are two possible pathways for this decay. Write the balanced equations for both pathways.

Accepted Answer

Step 1: Identify the initial and final isotopes involved in the decay process. The initial isotope is Technetium-100 ($^{100}_{43}\text{Tc}$) and the final isotope is Molybdenum-100 ($^{100}_{42}\text{Mo}$).. Step 2: Determine the possible decay pathways. Since $^{100}_{43}\text{Tc}$ is decaying to $^{100}_{42}\text{Mo}$, consider common decay modes such as beta decay and electron capture.. Step 3: Write the balanced equation for beta decay. In beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton, emitting a beta particle ($\beta^-$) and an antineutrino ($\bar{\nu}_e$). The equation is: $^{100}_{43}\text{Tc} \rightarrow ^{100}_{42}\text{Mo} + \beta^- + \bar{\nu}_e$.. Step 4: Write the balanced equation for electron capture. In electron capture, an inner orbital electron is captured by the nucleus, converting a proton into a neutron and emitting a neutrino ($\nu_e$). The equation is: $^{100}_{43}\text{Tc} + e^- \rightarrow ^{100}_{42}\text{Mo} + \nu_e$.. Step 5: Verify that both equations are balanced in terms of mass number and atomic number. Ensure that the sum of mass numbers and atomic numbers on both sides of each equation are equal.