Determining the atomic number, mass number, and chemical name during beta decay

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the atomic number, mass number, and chemical name of an element undergoing beta decay, specifically starting with Thorium (atomic number 90) and its transformation through two successive beta decays.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of beta decay, questioning the nature of the decay (positive vs. negative emission) and its effects on atomic and mass numbers. There is also discussion about the correct chemical name and whether it should include the mass number.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on the nature of beta decay and its effects on the atomic structure. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct answers, with some participants expressing uncertainty about their responses and seeking clarification on terminology.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original problem lacked an image and that the definition of "chemical name" is under discussion, leading to confusion about the correct format for the answer.

Hannah1
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Determining the atomic number, mass number, and chemical name during beta decay!

Homework Statement


The image below shows the element Thorium with the atomic number listed above and a mass number of 233. This element undergoes two successive beta decays. The resulting nucleus will have an atomic number of (1) __________ and a mass number of (2) __________. The chemical name for the nucleus is (3) __________.
(BTW, there was no image shown in the homework, but it can be implied that the the atomic number of Thorium is 90.)


Homework Equations


Thorium (Atomic Number = 90)


The Attempt at a Solution


(1) 92
(2) 233
(3) Uranium-233

I submitted these answers on my homework, but I only got 2/3 correct, meaning one of my answers was wrong. What answer was wrong??
Could it be that #3 should just be Uranium (I'm not sure what a chemical name is...)?
 
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It should be an easy problem to figure out, but I can't find out how to do it! :(
I feel stupid.
 


What kind of Beta Decay is this? There are usually two kinds, where there is a positive emission or a negative emission. That might be where you made your error.
 


Pappers08 said:
What kind of Beta Decay is this? There are usually two kinds, where there is a positive emission or a negative emission. That might be where you made your error.

If it was positive emission then both (1) and (3) would be wrong. So it is negative emission. Maybe the your mistake was that you did not considered that uranium will be charged, since the production of two protons will increase the nucleus charge by 2e and since there is no addition of extra electrons (the electrons from the decay escape from the atom), tha net charge after the decay will be +2e. So, (3) should be ^{233}_{92}U+2
 


It turns out that the correct answer for #3 is "Uranium."
You don't have to add the number at the end.
 


Well I'm glad you fixed the mistake!
 

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