10.4 Nuclear Reactions

In radioactive beta decay, does the atomic mass number, A, increase or decrease?

What is the difference between $\gamma$ rays and characteristic X-rays and visible light?

Consider the figure. If the magnetic field is replaced by an electric field pointed in toward the page, in which directions will the $\alpha$-, $\beta^{+}$-, and $\gamma$ rays bend?

(a) Calculate the energy released in the $\alpha$ decay of $^{238} \text{U}$. (b) What fraction of the mass of a single $^{238} \text{U}$ is destroyed in the decay? The mass of $^{234} \text{T} \text{h}$ is 234.043593 u. (c) Although the fractional mass loss is large for a single nucleus, it is difficult to observe for an entire macroscopic sample of uranium. Why is this?

(a) Write the complete $\beta^{-}$ decay equation for $^{90} \text{S} \text{r} ,$ a major waste product of nuclear reactors. (b) Find the energy released in the decay.

Write the complete decay equation in the complete $_{Z}^{A} \text{X} _{N}$ notation for the beta ($\beta^{-}$) decay of $^{3} \text{H}$ (tritium), a manufactured isotope of hydrogen used in some digital watch displays, and manufactured primarily for use in hydrogen bombs.

An electron can interact with a nucleus through the beta-decay process:

$_{Z}^{A} \text{X} + e^{-} \rightarrow Y + v_{e}$.

(a) Write the complete reaction equation for electron capture by $^{7} \text{Be}$.

(b) Calculate the energy released.

A rare decay mode has been observed in which $^{222} \text{R} \text{a}$ emits a $^{14} \text{C}$ nucleus. (a) The decay equation is $^{222} \text{Ra} \rightarrow ^{A} \text{X} + ^{14} \text{C}$. Identify the nuclide $^{A} \text{X}$. (b) Find the energy emitted in the decay. The mass of $^{222} \text{Ra}$ is 222.015353 u.