Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Isotopes

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Isotopes

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Problem L2.1

Textbook Question

In certain types of radioactive decay, the isotope releases a particle called an alpha particle, which contains two protons and two neutrons. When this happens, is the product still the same element? Why or why not?

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Begin by understanding what an alpha particle is. An alpha particle consists of two protons and two neutrons, which means it has a mass number of 4 and a charge of +2.

Step 2: Recognize that when an isotope undergoes alpha decay, it loses an alpha particle. This results in a decrease in the atomic number (number of protons) by 2 and the mass number (total number of protons and neutrons) by 4.

Step 3: Recall that the atomic number determines the identity of an element. If the atomic number changes, the element itself changes because the number of protons defines the element.

Step 4: Use the periodic table to confirm that a decrease in atomic number by 2 means the element shifts to a different position on the table, corresponding to a new element.

Step 5: Conclude that the product of alpha decay is not the same element as the original isotope because the loss of two protons changes the atomic number, thereby changing the element's identity.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Radioactive Decay

Radioactive decay is a process by which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation. This can occur in various forms, including alpha decay, where an alpha particle (composed of two protons and two neutrons) is released. This process transforms the original element into a different element due to the loss of protons.

Alpha Particle

An alpha particle is a type of ionizing radiation consisting of two protons and two neutrons, essentially a helium nucleus. When an atom undergoes alpha decay, it emits this particle, resulting in a decrease in the atomic number of the original element by two. This change in atomic number is crucial for determining whether the product is the same element.

Element Identity

The identity of an element is defined by its atomic number, which is the number of protons in its nucleus. When an element emits an alpha particle, it loses two protons, thus changing its atomic number and transforming it into a different element. Therefore, the product of alpha decay is not the same element as the original.