Question

zinc - 64 undergoes beta decay as shown: what is the the appropriate values for a and z and the chemical symbol for x.
$_{30}^{64}zn
ightarrow _{z}^{a}x + _{-1}^{0}e$
64 63 65 zn cu ga 30 31 29
a
x
z
helium is always present along with the uranium mineral, which is undoubtedly formed from alpha particles.
false
true

Explanation:

Step1: Apply mass - number conservation

In a nuclear reaction, the sum of mass - numbers (A) on the left - hand side equals the sum on the right - hand side. For the reaction $_{30}^{64}Zn
ightarrow _{Z}^{A}X + _{- 1}^{0}e$, the mass - number of Zn is 64. So, $64=A + 0$, which gives $A = 64$.

Step2: Apply atomic - number conservation

The sum of atomic numbers (Z) on the left - hand side equals the sum on the right - hand side. The atomic number of Zn is 30. So, $30=Z+( - 1)$. Solving for Z, we get $Z = 31$.

Step3: Identify the element

The element with atomic number $Z = 31$ is gallium, with the chemical symbol Ga.

Step4: Answer the second part

An alpha particle is a helium - 4 nucleus ($_{2}^{4}He$). When uranium undergoes radioactive decay and emits alpha particles, these alpha particles can pick up electrons and form helium atoms. So, helium is always present along with uranium minerals formed from alpha particles.

Answer:

A. 64
X. Ga
Z. 31
True