Question

i) What is the equation for the beta decay that would produce zinc
57? Be sure to check which kind of beta decay it would be.
ii) Would this still be the same for zinc 66? Explain.

Answer 1

What's the definition of beta decay? (I know, I'm asking you so you think through the equation: what goes into the left-hand side LHS and on the right-hand side, RHS.)

Actually, best of all, what is the generic beta decay equation

LHS --> RHS ?

What should you write on both sides?

Answer 2

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay

Answer 3

There are two types of beta decay, as per this diagram:

http://education.jlab.org/glossary/betadecay.gif

In one of them, a neutron in a nucleus ejects an electron and becomes a proton. That's the top case in the diagram.

In the other, a proton in a nucleus ejects a positron and becomes a neutron. That's the bottom case in the diagram.

Answer 4

You'll notice in both cases, this changes the type of element because the number of protons in the nucleus, and that is what determines the type of element you have.

So if you want zinc-67 [I assume you mean 67, not 57, because Zinc-57 doesn't really exist] ...if you want zinc-67 to be a product of a beta decay, figure out what the atom must have been before the beta decay and write the simple reaction diagram:

Atom (not zinc) ----> Zinc-67 + either electron or positron

Answer 5

it says 57

Answer 6

Ok, Zinc-57 then. Very rare, but fine.

Answer 7

uh thats hard

Answer 8

Not so hard. Figure out how many protons and neutrons there in Zinc-57 and then figure out how many there have to be before beta decay.

You can choose either form of beta decay. If I were you, I'd choose the form where an electron is ejected.

Answer 9

I have a very odd book written by a lecture I am doing a bringing program so no tutorial hope you understand. no examples in the book just read and do exercise.

Answer 10

JamesJ please check my answer.

Answer 11

thats beta +neutrino