Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

11. Nuclear Chemistry

Gamma Emission

GOB Chemistry

11. Nuclear Chemistry

Gamma Emission

Previous problem

1:06 minutes

Problem 63d

Textbook Question

Complete each of the following nuclear equations:
d. ^23m₁₂Mg → ? + ⁰₀γ

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Identify the type of nuclear reaction. In this case, the presence of ⁰₀γ indicates that this is a gamma emission reaction. Gamma emission typically occurs when a nucleus transitions from an excited state to a lower energy state without changing the number of protons or neutrons.

Step 2: Write the initial isotope involved in the reaction. The given isotope is ²³ᵐ₁₂Mg, where the 'm' indicates that the magnesium nucleus is in an excited state.

Step 3: Recognize that gamma emission does not alter the atomic number (Z) or the mass number (A) of the nucleus. Therefore, the resulting nucleus will still be magnesium (Mg) with the same mass number (23) and atomic number (12).

Step 4: Write the complete nuclear equation. The excited magnesium isotope (²³ᵐ₁₂Mg) transitions to its ground state (²³₁₂Mg) and emits a gamma photon (⁰₀γ).

Step 5: Verify the equation for conservation of mass number and atomic number. The mass number (23) and atomic number (12) remain unchanged on both sides of the equation, confirming that the equation is balanced.

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Key Concepts

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

Nuclear Equations

Nuclear equations represent the transformation of atomic nuclei during radioactive decay or nuclear reactions. They show the initial and final states of the nucleus, including the particles emitted or absorbed. Understanding how to balance these equations is crucial, as it involves accounting for the conservation of mass and charge.

Gamma Radiation

Gamma radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation emitted during nuclear reactions, characterized by high energy and no mass or charge. It often accompanies other types of decay, such as alpha or beta decay, and serves to release excess energy from a nucleus. Recognizing gamma radiation's role helps in understanding the stability of the resulting nucleus.

Isotopes and Isomeric States

Isotopes are variants of a chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, leading to different mass numbers. Isomeric states, like ²³ᵐ₁₂Mg, indicate a specific energy state of an isotope. Understanding these concepts is essential for predicting the products of nuclear reactions and the stability of the resulting isotopes.

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