Analyzing the Given Nuclear Equation

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 111 views

Introduction

Nuclear equations are a fundamental concept in nuclear chemistry, describing the process of radioactive decay and the transformation of one element into another. These equations involve the interaction of atomic nuclei, resulting in the emission or absorption of particles, such as alpha, beta, or gamma radiation. In this article, we will delve into the world of nuclear equations, focusing on the concept of parent isotopes and how to identify them.

What is a Parent Isotope?

A parent isotope is the original isotope that undergoes radioactive decay, resulting in the formation of a new isotope, known as the daughter isotope. The parent isotope is the starting material in a nuclear reaction, and its decay is the driving force behind the transformation of elements.

Analyzing the Given Nuclear Equation

The given nuclear equation is:

${{}_{96}^{245} \text{Cm} \rightarrow {}_{94}^{241} \text{Pu} + {}_2^4 \text{He}}$

In this equation, we have a parent isotope, which is the original isotope that undergoes decay, and a daughter isotope, which is the resulting isotope formed after the decay process.

Identifying the Parent Isotope

To identify the parent isotope, we need to look at the original isotope on the left-hand side of the equation. In this case, the original isotope is:

${{}_{96}^{245} \text{Cm}}$

This isotope has an atomic number of 96 and a mass number of 245. The parent isotope is the one that undergoes decay, resulting in the formation of the daughter isotope.

Comparing the Options

Now, let's compare the given options to determine which one is the parent isotope:

A. ${$ {}_{94}^{241} \text{Pu}$}$

B. ${$ {}_2^4 \text{He}$}$

C. ${$ {}_{96}^{245} \text{Cm}$}$

Based on the analysis above, the correct answer is:

C. ${$ {}_{96}^{245} \text{Cm}$}$

This is the original isotope that undergoes decay, resulting in the formation of the daughter isotope.

Conclusion

In conclusion, identifying the parent isotope in a nuclear equation is crucial in understanding the process of radioactive decay and the transformation of elements. By analyzing the given nuclear equation and comparing the options, we can determine that the parent isotope is ${$ {}_{96}^{245} \text{Cm}$}$. This knowledge is essential in nuclear chemistry, as it helps us understand the behavior of atomic nuclei and the interactions between them.

Key Takeaways

A parent isotope is the original isotope that undergoes radioactive decay.
The parent isotope is the starting material in a nuclear reaction.
To identify the parent isotope, look at the original isotope on the left-hand side of the equation.
The parent isotope is the one that undergoes decay, resulting in the formation of the daughter isotope.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a parent isotope?

A: A parent isotope is the original isotope that undergoes radioactive decay, resulting in the formation of a new isotope, known as the daughter isotope.

Q: How do I identify the parent isotope in a nuclear equation?

A: To identify the parent isotope, look at the original isotope on the left-hand side of the equation. The parent isotope is the one that undergoes decay, resulting in the formation of the daughter isotope.

Q: What is the difference between a parent isotope and a daughter isotope?

A: The parent isotope is the original isotope that undergoes decay, while the daughter isotope is the resulting isotope formed after the decay process.

Glossary of Terms

Parent isotope: The original isotope that undergoes radioactive decay.
Daughter isotope: The resulting isotope formed after the decay process.
Nuclear equation: A mathematical representation of a nuclear reaction, describing the interaction of atomic nuclei.
Radioactive decay: The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy and stability, resulting in the emission of radiation.
Nuclear Chemistry Q&A: Understanding Radioactive Decay and Isotopes ====================================================================

Introduction

Nuclear chemistry is a fascinating field that deals with the behavior of atomic nuclei and the interactions between them. Radioactive decay and isotopes are fundamental concepts in nuclear chemistry, and understanding them is crucial for advancing our knowledge of the universe. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about nuclear chemistry, focusing on radioactive decay and isotopes.

Q&A Session

Q: What is radioactive decay?

A: Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy and stability, resulting in the emission of radiation. This process occurs when an atom has too many or too few neutrons, causing it to become unstable and release energy in the form of radiation.

Q: What are the different types of radioactive decay?

A: There are three main types of radioactive decay:

Alpha decay: The emission of an alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons) from the nucleus.
Beta decay: The emission of a beta particle (an electron or a positron) from the nucleus.
Gamma decay: The emission of gamma radiation (high-energy photons) from the nucleus.

Q: What is an isotope?

A: An isotope is a version of an element that has a different number of neutrons in its nucleus. Isotopes have the same number of protons (atomic number) but differ in their number of neutrons, resulting in different mass numbers.

Q: How do isotopes differ from each other?

A: Isotopes differ from each other in their mass number (number of neutrons) and their half-life (time it takes for half of the atoms to decay). Isotopes with the same atomic number but different mass numbers are known as isotopes, while isotopes with the same mass number but different atomic numbers are known as isobars.

Q: What is the difference between a parent isotope and a daughter isotope?

A: The parent isotope is the original isotope that undergoes radioactive decay, while the daughter isotope is the resulting isotope formed after the decay process.

Q: Can isotopes be used for medical purposes?

A: Yes, isotopes are used in medicine for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. For example, radioactive isotopes are used in positron emission tomography (PET) scans to diagnose cancer and other diseases.

Q: Can isotopes be used for energy production?

A: Yes, isotopes are used in nuclear power plants to generate electricity. The most common isotope used for this purpose is uranium-235.

Q: What is the half-life of an isotope?

A: The half-life of an isotope is the time it takes for half of the atoms to decay. This is a measure of the stability of the isotope and is used to determine its decay rate.

Q: How do scientists measure the half-life of an isotope?

A: Scientists measure the half-life of an isotope by observing the decay of a sample over time. They use techniques such as radioactive counting and mass spectrometry to determine the decay rate and calculate the half-life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, radioactive decay and isotopes are fundamental concepts in nuclear chemistry. Understanding these concepts is crucial for advancing our knowledge of the universe and developing new technologies. By answering some frequently asked questions, we hope to have provided a better understanding of these complex topics.

Key Takeaways

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy and stability, resulting in the emission of radiation.
Isotopes are versions of an element that have a different number of neutrons in their nucleus.
Isotopes differ from each other in their mass number and half-life.
Isotopes are used in medicine and energy production.
The half-life of an isotope is the time it takes for half of the atoms to decay.

Glossary of Terms

Radioactive decay: The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy and stability, resulting in the emission of radiation.
Isotope: A version of an element that has a different number of neutrons in its nucleus.
Half-life: The time it takes for half of the atoms to decay.
Parent isotope: The original isotope that undergoes radioactive decay.
Daughter isotope: The resulting isotope formed after the decay process.
Alpha decay: The emission of an alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons) from the nucleus.
Beta decay: The emission of a beta particle (an electron or a positron) from the nucleus.
Gamma decay: The emission of gamma radiation (high-energy photons) from the nucleus.