Atomic Number Change in Fermium-252 After Beta Decay

In summary, if a fermium-252 nucleus undergoes a decay where a (beta-) particle is produced, its atomic number will either decrease if a positron is emitted or increase by one if an electron is emitted. Additionally, in beta decay, an antineutrino or a neutrino particle is always emitted along with the beta particle.
  • #1
Xamfy19
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Suppose that the fermium-252 nucleus could undergo a decay in which a (beta-) particle was produced. How would this affect the atomic number of the nucleus? Explain briefly.

This looks pretty easy, but I think it's trying to trick you. Thank you for helping.
 
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  • #2
I don't think so...The answer should be pretty easy.

Daniel.
 
  • #3
Ok , first of all you should know that beta particle is either an electron or a positron.

But generally by beta decay we mean an electron or positron.Therefor ethe atomic number of the element undergoing the decay will either end up 1) lowering its atomic number if its a positron being emitted and 2) elevating its atomic number by 1 if its an electron its emitting.

And one thing more, you should note that in a B-decay , when an electron is emitted an antinuetrino is always em,itted which is a kind of radiation and when a positron is emitted , a nuetrino particle is always emitted.
 
  • #4
Thanks alot.
 

1. What is the atomic number of Fermium-252?

The atomic number of Fermium-252 is 100. This is because Fermium has 100 protons in its nucleus, and the atomic number represents the number of protons in an atom.

2. What is beta decay?

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an unstable nucleus emits a beta particle (a high-energy electron) and transforms into a different element.

3. How does beta decay affect the atomic number of Fermium-252?

During beta decay, a neutron in the Fermium-252 nucleus is converted into a proton, resulting in an increase in the atomic number by 1. Therefore, the atomic number of Fermium-252 after beta decay would be 101.

4. What is the half-life of Fermium-252?

The half-life of Fermium-252 is approximately 25.39 hours. This means that after 25.39 hours, half of the initial amount of Fermium-252 will undergo beta decay, resulting in a decrease in the amount of Fermium-252 present.

5. What are the potential applications of Fermium-252 in its beta decay state?

Fermium-252 is used in nuclear reactors to produce neutron-rich isotopes for research purposes. It is also used in the production of neutron sources for industrial and medical applications, such as cancer treatment and neutron radiography.

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