Each of the following isotopes is radioactive: (a) (28)/(15) P (b) 45 K ; (c) ^73 Zn. Which woul

step 1 Okay, for part A of this question, we have to write the equation for the products with beta posi

Each of the following isotopes is radioactive: (a) (28)/(15)...

Key Concepts

Radioactive Decay

Radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. This can take several forms, including alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay. In each case, the decay results in the transformation of the original nucleus into a different nucleus or a different state, all in order to achieve a more stable configuration.

Nuclear Isotopes

A nuclear isotope is defined by the number of protons and neutrons present in the nucleus. While isotopes of an element have the same number of protons, they differ in their number of neutrons, which can result in different nuclear stability characteristics. Variations in neutron numbers can lead some isotopes to be unstable and thus radioactive, necessitating decay processes to reach a more stable state.

Beta-plus Decay

Beta-plus decay, or positron emission, is a specific type of radioactive decay in which a proton in the nucleus is converted into a neutron while emitting a positron and a neutrino. This decay mode occurs in nuclei that are proton-rich—where the ratio of protons to neutrons is greater than that required for stability. Beta-plus decay helps these nuclei move toward a more balanced proton-to-neutron ratio.

Nuclear Stability and the Proton-to-Neutron Ratio

The stability of a nucleus heavily depends on the balance between the number of protons and neutrons. When there is an excess of protons, the nucleus is often unstable and may undergo beta-plus decay to convert a proton into a neutron, thereby reducing the proton excess. This concept explains why certain isotopes decay by beta-plus emission as a mechanism to achieve a more energetically favorable and balanced configuration.

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