Question

Match the decay process (numbers 1-6 below) with a characteristic which is specific to that process (letters a-f below)

a)     Formation of two heavy fragments; dominating decay mode for heaviest nuclei

b)     Antineutrino emission occur simultaneously with this process

c)     This emission process leaves the mass number unchanged but the atomic number will be reduced by one

d)     Predominant mode of decay for neutron deficient nuclei with atomic number greater than 80

e)     Does not ionize gases in Geiger counter so are often not counted by these devices; can be detected through fluorescence

f)      Emitted particles are very dangerous as they cause extensive ionization of matter

1.     Alpha decay

2.     Beta decay

3.     Positron decay

4.     Electron capture

5.     Gamma emission

6.     Spontaneous fission

Answer 1

1.     Alpha decay - a) Formation of two heavy fragments; dominating decay mode for heaviest nuclei.

alpha particle means 4 He 2+ so by decaying alpha particle there is decrese in 4 units in mass number and 2 units in atomic number.

2.     Beta decay - b) Antineutrino emission occur simultaneously with this process

Beta particles indicates e- so by the decay of beta particle there is decrese in atomic number by one unit and there is no change in the mass number and also antineutrino is emmites along with beta particle.

3.     Positron decay - c) This emission process leaves the mass number unchanged but the atomic number will be reduced by one.

Positron indicates e+1 by decaying there is no change in mass number but atomic number decreses by one unit.

4.     Electron capture - d) Predominant mode of decay for neutron deficient nuclei with atomic number greater than 80.

The species which have the less number neutrons will undergo electron capture so thet there is a decrease in the atomic number by one unit to the resultant species

5.     Gamma emission - e) Does not ionize gases in Geiger counter so are often not counted by these devices; can be detected through fluorescence.

Gamma rays are neutral rays and they donot have any charge so that we can determine through fluoroscent screen.

6.     Spontaneous fission - f) Emitted particles are very dangerous as they cause extensive ionization of matter