Question

how much does the mass and charge of a nucleus change when each type of radiation is emitted?
part 1 of 2
positron
change in mass =
change in charge =
part 2 of 2
a particle
change in mass =
change in charge =

Explanation:

Part 1: Positron

Step 1: Determine the change in charge

A positron has a charge of \(+1e\). When a positron is emitted, the charge of the nucleus decreases by \(1\). So, Change in charge \(= - 1\)

Step 2: Determine the change in mass

A positron has a very small mass (\(m = 9.1\times10^{-31}\text{ kg}\)), but in terms of atomic mass units (\(u\)), the mass of a positron is approximately \(0.000549u\). For nuclear reactions, when we consider the mass - number (a whole - number approximation for the mass of a nucleus in atomic mass units), the mass - number change due to positron emission is \(0\). So, Change in mass \(=0\)

Part 2: \(\alpha\) particle

Step 1: Determine the change in charge

An \(\alpha\) - particle (\(^{4}_{2}\text{He}\)) has a charge of \(+2e\). When an \(\alpha\) - particle is emitted, the charge of the nucleus decreases by \(2\). So, Change in charge \(=-2\)

Step 2: Determine the change in mass

An \(\alpha\) - particle has a mass of \(4u\) (where \(u\) is the atomic mass unit). When an \(\alpha\) - particle is emitted, the mass of the nucleus decreases by \(4u\). So, Change in mass \(=-4\)

Answer:

Part 1: Change in mass \(=0\), Change in charge \(=- 1\)
Part 2: Change in mass \(=-4\), Change in charge \(=-2\)