Textbook Question
Chlorine has two stable nuclides, 35Cl and 37Cl. In contrast, 36Cl is a radioactive nuclide that decays by beta emission. (a) What is the product of decay of 36Cl?
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21. Nuclear Chemistry
Beta Decay
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct nuclear equation for the beta decay of Pa-234?
A
Pa-234 → Pa-233 + n
B
Pa-234 → U-234 + β⁻
C
Pa-234 → Np-234 + β⁺
D
Pa-234 → Th-230 + α
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the type of decay: Beta decay involves the transformation of a neutron into a proton, emitting a beta particle (β⁻) and an antineutrino. In beta decay, the atomic number increases by 1, while the mass number remains unchanged.
Analyze the given options: We need to find the option where the atomic number of the product increases by 1 compared to the parent nucleus, Pa-234.
Examine the atomic numbers: Protactinium (Pa) has an atomic number of 91. In beta decay, the atomic number should increase to 92, which corresponds to Uranium (U).
Check the mass numbers: The mass number should remain the same at 234, as beta decay does not change the mass number.
Match the correct equation: The correct nuclear equation for the beta decay of Pa-234 is Pa-234 → U-234 + β⁻, where the atomic number increases from 91 to 92, and the mass number remains 234.
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