Write balanced nuclear equations for the following processes. (c) Beta emission of 188W

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of nuclear reaction: Beta emission involves the conversion of a neutron into a proton, with the emission of a beta particle (\( \beta^- \), an electron) and an antineutrino.
2. Write the general form of a beta emission equation: \( _Z^A X \rightarrow _{Z+1}^{A} Y + \beta^- + \bar{\nu}_e \), where \( _Z^A X \) is the parent nucleus and \( _{Z+1}^{A} Y \) is the daughter nucleus.
3. Identify the parent nucleus: In this case, the parent nucleus is \( ^{188}\text{W} \) (Tungsten), with atomic number 74.
4. Determine the daughter nucleus: After beta emission, the atomic number increases by 1, so the daughter nucleus is \( ^{188}\text{Re} \) (Rhenium), with atomic number 75.
5. Write the balanced nuclear equation: \( ^{188}_{74}\text{W} \rightarrow ^{188}_{75}\text{Re} + \beta^- + \bar{\nu}_e \).

Key Concepts

Nuclear Reactions

Nuclear reactions involve changes in an atom's nucleus and can result in the transformation of one element into another. These reactions include processes such as alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma emission. Understanding the type of nuclear reaction is crucial for writing balanced nuclear equations, as it dictates the particles involved and the resulting isotopes.

Beta Emission

Beta emission is a type of radioactive decay where a beta particle, which is an electron or positron, is emitted from an atomic nucleus. In beta minus decay, a neutron is converted into a proton, increasing the atomic number by one while the mass number remains unchanged. This process is essential for understanding how certain isotopes, like 188W, transform into different elements.

Balancing Nuclear Equations

Balancing nuclear equations requires ensuring that both the mass number and atomic number are conserved during the reaction. This means that the sum of the mass numbers and the sum of the atomic numbers on both sides of the equation must be equal. Properly balancing these equations is critical for accurately representing the nuclear processes and the resulting isotopes.