What happens/takes place in the molybdenum nucleus

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Mo-99 nucleus, resulting in the nucleus turning into Technetium with 43 protons and 56 neutrons. The excited Technetium daughter nucleus is designated Tc-99m and will release a gamma ray photon before becoming stable Tc-99 with a half-life of over 210,000 years. In summary, the conversation discusses the decay of Molybdenium into Technetium and the creation of a meta-stable state before becoming stable Tc-99.
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amazingphysics2255
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Homework Statement
What happens/takes place in the molybdenum nucleus as it decays to Technetium-99 when a beta particle is emitted?
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This is not so much of a problem as I'm just interested If anyone knows what happens. It does relate to my homework problem tho because I had to write what Molybdenium decays into from beta which is Molybdenum-99/42Technetium-99m/43
 
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One of the neutrons in the Mo-99 nucleus (42 protons + 57 neutrons) expels an electron which results in the neutron becoming a proton. So the nucleus now has 43 protons and 56 neutrons and is now Technetium. What makes this nucleus so unusual is that the nucleus remains in an excited state for a while afterward, called a meta-stable state. This excited Technetium daughter nucleus is designated Tc-99m (the m signifying the meta-stable energy state). The Tc-99m nucleus will then decay by releasing a gamma ray photon (Tc-99m has a half-life of about 6 hours) and become fairly stable Tc-99 (half-life of over 210,000 years).

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1. What is the structure of a molybdenum nucleus?

The molybdenum nucleus has a complex structure, with 42 protons and varying numbers of neutrons depending on the isotope. The protons and neutrons are arranged in energy levels, with the protons in the central core and the neutrons surrounding them in shells.

2. How does molybdenum participate in nuclear reactions?

Molybdenum is a relatively stable element and does not undergo nuclear reactions easily. However, it can be used as a target for particle accelerators to produce radioactive isotopes for medical and industrial purposes.

3. What is the role of molybdenum in nuclear fusion reactions?

Molybdenum is not directly involved in nuclear fusion reactions, but it can be used as a material for the walls of fusion reactors. It has a high melting point and can withstand the high temperatures and radiation produced in fusion reactions.

4. How does molybdenum contribute to nuclear energy production?

Molybdenum is not a commonly used element in nuclear reactors, but it can be used in the production of fuel rods and other structural components due to its high strength and resistance to corrosion. It is also used in the production of control rods, which are used to regulate the rate of nuclear reactions in reactors.

5. Can molybdenum be used in nuclear weapons?

Molybdenum is not a commonly used material in nuclear weapons, as it has a relatively low melting point and would not be able to withstand the high temperatures and pressures involved in a nuclear explosion. However, it can be used as a component in some types of nuclear weapons, such as neutron bombs.

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