Question

gamma decay
what is the missing particle?
66 31 ga* → ? + 0 0 γ
66 31 ga
66 32 ge
66 30 zn

Explanation:

Step1: Check mass number conservation

In gamma decay, the mass number (the top number) remains the same. The mass number of \(^{66}_{31}\text{Ga}^*\) is \(66\), and for \(\gamma\) (gamma particle) it is \(0\). So the mass number of the missing particle must be \(66 - 0=66\).

Step2: Check atomic number conservation

The atomic number (the bottom number) also remains the same in gamma decay. The atomic number of \(^{66}_{31}\text{Ga}^*\) is \(31\), and for \(\gamma\) it is \(0\). So the atomic number of the missing particle must be \(31- 0 = 31\).

Answer:

\(^{66}_{31}\text{Ga}\)