Concept explainers
Interpretation:
The equation is to be written for the radioactive decay series Thorium-232 to Pb-207.
Concept introduction:
In this radioactive decay process the unstable isotopes loses their energy by emitting radiation. It is converted in to stable isotopes. The emitting radiations are Alpha emission and Beta emission.
β − decay (electron emission):
α − decay (Helium nuclei emission):
Explanation of Solution
The radioactive decay series beginning with Th-232 and ending with Pb-208 is as follows.
The equations for each step occurring in the following sequence:
The radioactive isotope of Thorium-232 is transmitted to Radium-228 by emission of Alpha particle.
The radioactive isotope of Radium-228 is transmitted to Actinium-228 by the emission of Beta particle.
The radioactive isotope of Actinium-228 is transmitted to Thorium-228 by the emission of Beta particle.
The radioactive isotope of Thorium-228 is transmitted to Radium-228 by the emission of Alpha particle.
The radioactive isotope of Radium-228 is transmitted to Radon-220 by the emission of Alpha particle.
The radioactive isotope of Radon-220 is transmitted to Polonium-216 the emission of Alpha particle.
The radioactive isotope of Polonium-216 is transmitted to Lead-212 by the emission of Alpha particle.
The radioactive isotope of Lead-212 is transmitted to Bismuth-212 by the emission of Beta particle.
The radioactive isotope of Bismuth-212 is transmitted to Thallium-208 by the emission of Beta particle.
The radioactive isotope of Polonium-212 is transmitted to Lead-207 by the emission of Alpha particle.
The equation was written for the radioactive decay series Thorium-232 to Pb-207.
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Chapter 25 Solutions
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