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

Alpha Decay

GOB Chemistry

11. Nuclear Chemistry

Alpha Decay

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2:39 minutes

Problem 66a

Textbook Question

Write the balanced nuclear equation for each of the following: (5.2) a. Actinium-225 decays to give francium-221.

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the type of decay occurring. Actinium-225 decays to francium-221, which suggests the emission of a particle. Determine the type of particle emitted based on the change in mass number and atomic number.

Write the initial isotope: Actinium-225. Its symbol is

{Ac}^{22589}

, where 225 is the mass number and 89 is the atomic number.

Write the resulting isotope: Francium-221. Its symbol is

{Fr}^{22187}

, where 221 is the mass number and 87 is the atomic number.

Determine the particle emitted during the decay. The mass number decreases by 4 (225 - 221), and the atomic number decreases by 2 (89 - 87). This indicates the emission of an alpha particle, represented as

{He}^{42}

Write the balanced nuclear equation: Combine the initial isotope, the resulting isotope, and the emitted alpha particle to form the equation:

{Ac}^{22589} → {Fr}^{22187} + {He}^{42} .

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Key Concepts

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

Nuclear Decay

Nuclear decay is a process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. This can occur in various forms, including alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay. In the context of the question, Actinium-225 undergoes decay to transform into a more stable nucleus, which is essential for understanding the resulting products of the reaction.

Balanced Nuclear Equation

A balanced nuclear equation represents the transformation of one element into another during a nuclear reaction, ensuring that the number of protons and neutrons is conserved. This equation includes the atomic numbers and mass numbers of the reactants and products, allowing for a clear depiction of the decay process. Balancing these equations is crucial for accurately describing nuclear reactions.

Isotopes

Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different mass numbers. In this case, Actinium-225 and Francium-221 are isotopes of their respective elements, and understanding their isotopic nature is vital for writing the correct balanced nuclear equation during the decay process.

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