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

Positron Emission

GOB Chemistry

11. Nuclear Chemistry

Positron Emission

Previous problemNext problem

1:57 minutes

Problem 20e

Textbook Question

Complete each of the following nuclear equations and describe the type of radiation:
e. ? → ⁸⁹₃₉Y + ⁰₊₁e

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the problem. The equation involves a nuclear reaction where an unknown nucleus decays into ⁸⁹₃₉Y (yttrium-89) and a ⁰₊₁e particle (a positron). The goal is to determine the missing nucleus and identify the type of radiation involved.

Step 2: Recall the law of conservation of mass number and atomic number. In nuclear reactions, the sum of the mass numbers (superscripts) and the sum of the atomic numbers (subscripts) must be equal on both sides of the equation.

Step 3: Apply the conservation of mass number. The mass number of the unknown nucleus must equal the sum of the mass numbers of the products. Since ⁸⁹₃₉Y has a mass number of 89 and ⁰₊₁e has a mass number of 0, the mass number of the unknown nucleus is 89.

Step 4: Apply the conservation of atomic number. The atomic number of the unknown nucleus must equal the sum of the atomic numbers of the products. Since ⁸⁹₃₉Y has an atomic number of 39 and ⁰₊₁e has an atomic number of +1, the atomic number of the unknown nucleus is 39 + 1 = 40.

Step 5: Identify the unknown nucleus and the type of radiation. The element with atomic number 40 is zirconium (Zr). Therefore, the missing nucleus is ⁸⁹₄₀Zr. The emission of a ⁰₊₁e particle indicates positron emission, which is a type of beta radiation.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

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 one element into another through radioactive decay or nuclear reactions. They show the reactants and products, including atomic numbers and mass numbers, which must be balanced. Understanding how to complete these equations is essential for identifying the type of radiation emitted during the process.

Beta Decay

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a neutron in an unstable nucleus is transformed into a proton, emitting a beta particle (an electron or positron) in the process. This increases the atomic number of the element by one while keeping the mass number the same. Recognizing beta decay is crucial for completing the given nuclear equation.

Radiation Types

Radiation types include alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays, each with distinct properties and effects. Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons, beta particles are high-energy electrons or positrons, and gamma rays are electromagnetic radiation. Identifying the type of radiation helps in understanding the nature of the nuclear reaction and its implications.

Watch next

Master Positron Emission Concept 1 with a bite sized video explanation from Jules

Start learning