Paradox in the nuclear activity

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of nuclear activity and the release of beta radiation by atoms. The question arises about the stability of an atom after releasing a beta radiation and the conservation of charge. It is explained that the energy involved in creating an ion is much smaller than that involved in a nuclear transition. The discussion concludes with a clarification that an ion is an atom that has gained or lost an electron, consistent with the previous explanation.
  • #1
Mary curie
17
0
good evening everybody!
i'm studying these days the nuclear activity and this amazing world where an atom try to find its/her stability !
so i came across the famous radiations but then stopped by something i didn't quite understand!
when an atom release a beta radiation a negative one for example didn't she become unstable but from a charge view? ( when a neutron become a proton which means a one more + will be add which also mean that the atom needs a one more electron ?! nonetheless she release a one ! isn't that a paradox?!
please my head is going to explode from thinking
thank you!
 
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  • #2
Atoms which contain an unbalanced number of protons and electrons are called ions. The energy that it takes to make an ion is minuscule compared to the energies involved in a nuclear transition. It is literally the difference between dynamite and a nuclear weapon.
 
  • #3
When a neutron decays through the beta- interaction, you have:
##n^0 -> p^+ + e^-##
So the charge is conserved on both sides.
 
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Likes Mary curie
  • #4
Bandersnatch said:
When a neutron decays through the beta- interaction, you have:
##n^0 -> p^+ + e^-##
So the charge is conserved on both sides.
oh yeah ! i see what do you mean and that quite solve my problem ! thank you!
but is this electron is new formed? if it is a yes from where "he" came?
 
Last edited:
  • #5
Dale said:
Atoms which contain an unbalanced number of protons and electrons are called ions. The energy that it takes to make an ion is minuscule compared to the energies involved in a nuclear transition. It is literally the difference between dynamite and a nuclear weapon.
hii thank you for answering!
so isn't an ion an atom that gain or lose an electron?
 
  • #6
Mary curie said:
so isn't an ion an atom that gain or lose an electron?
If an atom gains or loses an electron, it becomes an "atom which contains an unbalanced number of protons and electrons" so this is consistent with what Dale said.
 

1. What is a paradox in nuclear activity?

A paradox in nuclear activity refers to a situation where there are conflicting or contradictory aspects within the field of nuclear science. This can include contradictory experimental results, theoretical predictions that cannot be reconciled, or unexpected observations that challenge our current understanding of nuclear processes.

2. How do paradoxes in nuclear activity impact scientific research?

Paradoxes in nuclear activity can have a significant impact on scientific research as they can lead to a re-evaluation of existing theories and the development of new ones. They can also prompt scientists to conduct further experiments and investigations to better understand the underlying mechanisms at play.

3. Can paradoxes in nuclear activity be resolved?

Yes, paradoxes in nuclear activity can be resolved through further research and experimentation. By gathering more data and refining our understanding of nuclear processes, we can often find explanations for these conflicting observations and reconcile them with existing theories.

4. Are paradoxes in nuclear activity limited to one specific area of nuclear science?

No, paradoxes in nuclear activity can arise in various areas of nuclear science, including nuclear physics, nuclear engineering, and nuclear medicine. They can also occur in different contexts, such as in laboratory experiments, astrophysical observations, or industrial applications.

5. How can resolving paradoxes in nuclear activity benefit society?

By resolving paradoxes in nuclear activity, we can improve our understanding of nuclear processes, which can have practical applications in various fields such as energy production, medical imaging, and environmental protection. It can also contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge and help us better comprehend the complexities of the universe.

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