Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Nuclear Isomers
Nuclear isomers are different energy states of the same atomic nucleus, which can exist in a metastable state. In-113m is an isomer of Indium-113, meaning it has the same number of protons and neutrons as Indium-113 but exists at a higher energy level. This higher energy state can be released as gamma radiation when the nucleus transitions to a more stable state.
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Gamma Emission
Gamma emission is a type of radioactive decay where an unstable nucleus releases energy in the form of gamma rays, which are high-energy photons. This process does not change the number of protons or neutrons in the nucleus, thus the atomic number and mass number remain unchanged. It is a common way for nuclei to lose excess energy and achieve stability.
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Balanced Nuclear Equation
A balanced nuclear equation represents a nuclear reaction, ensuring that the total number of nucleons (protons and neutrons) and the charge are conserved. In writing such equations, the initial and final states of the nucleus must be accurately depicted, including any emitted particles like gamma rays. This balance is crucial for understanding the transformation of elements during radioactive decay.
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Balancing Chemical Equations (Simplified) Concept 1