Write the nuclear reactions for the following radioactive...

Write the nuclear reactions for the following radioactive decay:
(a) ${ }_{92} \mathrm{U}^{238}$ undergoes $\alpha$ -decay.
(b) $_{91} \mathrm{~Pa}^{234}$ undergoes $\beta^{-}$ -decay.
(c) $_{11} \mathrm{Na}^{22}$ undergoes $\beta^{i}$ -decay.

Key Concepts

Alpha Decay

Alpha decay is a process in nuclear physics where an unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle—a helium nucleus consisting of two protons and two neutrons. This emission decreases the mass number of the original nucleus by four and the atomic number by two, leading it to transform into a different element. Alpha decay is common in heavy elements and plays a critical role in the series of decay steps that lead to more stable nuclei.

Beta-minus Decay

Beta-minus decay is a type of radioactive decay in which a neutron in an unstable nucleus is converted into a proton. During this transformation, an electron (the beta particle) and an antineutrino are emitted. This process increases the atomic number by one while keeping the mass number constant, and it is essential for understanding the changes in elemental identity during nuclear reactions.

Beta-plus Decay (Positron Emission)

Beta-plus decay, also known as positron emission, is a radioactive decay process where a proton is transformed into a neutron within the nucleus. In this process, a positron and a neutrino are emitted, resulting in a decrease of the atomic number by one while the mass number remains unchanged. This decay mode is important for the study of nuclear stability and is used in applications such as positron emission tomography (PET).

Conservation Laws in Nuclear Reactions

Nuclear reaction equations are governed by conservation laws, particularly the conservation of mass number (total nucleons) and atomic number (total charge). These conservation principles ensure that the sum of the nucleons and charge remains the same before and after the decay, which is fundamental when formulating and balancing nuclear reaction equations in the study of radioactive decay.

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