Write a nuclear equation for the indicated decay of each nuclide. a. Po-210 (alpha) b. Ac-227 (beta)

Key Concepts

Nuclear Decay

Nuclear decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. This can occur in various forms, including alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay. Each type of decay results in the transformation of the original nuclide into a different nuclide, often accompanied by the release of particles or electromagnetic radiation.

Beta Decay

Beta decay is a specific type of nuclear decay where a neutron in the nucleus is transformed into a proton, resulting in the emission of a beta particle (an electron or positron). This process increases the atomic number of the nuclide by one while keeping the mass number unchanged, leading to the formation of a new element. For example, in the case of Ac-227 undergoing beta decay, it transforms into a different element with an atomic number one higher.

Nuclear Equation

A nuclear equation represents the transformation of one nuclide into another during a nuclear reaction, showing the initial and final states of the nucleus along with any emitted particles. It is typically written in the form of a balanced equation, where the sum of atomic numbers and mass numbers on both sides must be equal. For beta decay, the equation will include the original nuclide, the emitted beta particle, and the resulting nuclide.