Isotope decay via alpha and beta particle emissions

In summary, isotope decay via alpha and beta particle emissions is a natural process where unstable atoms release high-energy particles to become more stable. Alpha particles are positively charged particles containing two protons and two neutrons, while beta particles are high-energy electrons emitted during radioactive decay. This process occurs when an atom's nucleus emits an alpha or beta particle, balancing the number of protons and neutrons. The implications of this process can vary depending on the specific isotopes and their half-lives, with some being used in medical treatments and others posing potential health risks. It is important to understand this process in fields such as nuclear energy and radiocarbon dating.
  • #1
greg_rack
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Homework Statement
The radioactive isotope X becomes the stable isotope Y after a succession of decays involving only the emission of alpha and beta (β–) particles.
During the decay of one nucleus from X to Y, a total of seven particles are emitted. It is known that more of these particles are alpha particles than beta particles.
The atomic number of X is Z and the mass number of X is A.
Which row in the table(attached to the "solution" section) could give the atomic number and the mass number of Y?
Relevant Equations
None
Schermata 2020-10-04 alle 12.49.13.png
This problem really confused me, since I can't get the link between particles emitted(alpha and beta, but which are the differences between those?) and changes in mass and atomic number of the isotope.
For this one, I can't really show you my attempt since there ain't one...
 
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  • #2
What does your textbook say happens during alpha decay? (How does the atomic number Z and the mass number A change?)

What does your textbook say happens during beta minus decay? (How does the atomic number Z and the mass number A change?)
 

1. What is isotope decay?

Isotope decay is the process by which an unstable atom releases energy in the form of radiation in order to become more stable. This process can involve the emission of alpha and beta particles.

2. What are alpha particles?

Alpha particles are positively charged particles that consist of two protons and two neutrons. They are relatively large and heavy and can be stopped by a sheet of paper or a few centimeters of air.

3. What are beta particles?

Beta particles are high-energy electrons or positrons that are emitted during the decay of an atom. They are smaller and lighter than alpha particles and can travel further, but can be stopped by a few millimeters of aluminum.

4. How does alpha decay occur?

Alpha decay occurs when an unstable atom has too many protons in its nucleus, causing it to emit an alpha particle in order to reduce its atomic number and become more stable. This process is commonly seen in heavy elements such as uranium.

5. How does beta decay occur?

Beta decay occurs when an unstable atom has either too many or too few neutrons in its nucleus, causing it to emit a beta particle in order to achieve a more stable neutron-to-proton ratio. This process can result in the atom becoming a different element, depending on whether it emits an electron or a positron.

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