ATAR Notes: Forum
VCE Stuff => VCE Science => VCE Mathematics/Science/Technology => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Physics => Topic started by: WhoTookMyUsername on January 15, 2011, 03:46:28 pm
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HELP! Textbook is being annoying again. just starting unit 1 and the question is:
Beryillium 9 is irradiated with neutrons. An alpha particle is released and it become a stable isotope. Identify the Nuclide.
So
Berrylium with 4 protons and 5 nuetrons + 1 neutron = alpha particle + ? - i think it's helium six but the book says lithium 6
Thanks!
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An Alpha particle is 2 neutrons and 2 protons. So yeah, you're right it should be Helium 6.
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He-6 is not stable, and will decompose to Li-6 (beta decay)..
I think thats the reasoning in your book.
But its horribly worded if it is the case.
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He-6 is not stable, and will decompose to Li-6 (beta decay)..
I think thats the reasoning in your book.
But its horribly worded if it is the case.
+1, alpha decay and then beta-minus decay: Berrylium-9 + neutron --> Helium-6 (via beta-minus decay) --> Lithium-6
That must be it thanks alot :)
2 more questions :tickedoff:
Are there any rules or trends that indicate when a substance is unstable/radioactive?
Are there any rules or trends that indicate the relative length of the half life of a substance?
I don't there are any such rules/trends (or rules you need to know) about radionuclides... Probably the obvious one is atoms with large nuclei are generally more unstable than those with smaller nuclei (as a trend). But there are plenty of exceptions to that.
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The ratio of protons to neutrons is a good indicator.
Also if you're dying.