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Given the following nuclear reaction:

252/99 Es - 0/-1 e + A/Z X
Column A
1.
What is the atomic mass of the new atom?
2.
What is the atomic number of the new atom?
3.
What is the symbol of the new atom?
4.
What type of decay is demonstrated here?
Column B
a. 101
b. 100
c. 252
d. Alpha Decay
e. Md
f. 253
g. Fm
h. Es
i. Gamma Decay
j. 99
k. 251
l. 248
m. Beta Decay

1 answer

To analyze the nuclear reaction given and answer the questions, we start with the nuclear equation provided:

\[ ^{252}_{99}Es \rightarrow \frac{0}{-1}e + \frac{A}{Z}X \]

Here, \(^{252}_{99}Es\) is einsteinium-252, and \(\frac{0}{-1}e\) represents a beta particle (electron) emitted during the decay process.

  1. What is the atomic mass of the new atom?
    The original atomic mass of einsteinium (Es) is 252. Since a beta particle is emitted, the mass number of the parent atom remains unchanged. Thus, the atomic mass of the new atom will be: \[ 252 - 0 = 252 \] Answer: c. 252

  2. What is the atomic number of the new atom?
    The atomic number of einsteinium, \(Z = 99\), and during beta decay, the atomic number increases by 1 (because a neutron is transformed into a proton). Therefore, the atomic number of the new atom will be: \[ 99 + 1 = 100 \] Answer: b. 100

  3. What is the symbol of the new atom?
    The new atom following the decay will have an atomic number of 100. The element with atomic number 100 is fermium (Fm). Answer: g. Fm

  4. What type of decay is demonstrated here?
    The decay described in the reaction, which involves the emission of a beta particle, is called beta decay. Answer: m. Beta Decay

Summary of Answers:

  1. Atomic mass of the new atom: c. 252
  2. Atomic number of the new atom: b. 100
  3. Symbol of the new atom: g. Fm
  4. Type of decay demonstrated: m. Beta Decay