Complete the nuclear equation?

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My guess is:
1. 98/44 Ru
2. 52/24 Cr

Thanks

1 Answer
May 29, 2018

Both of your guesses are correct.

Explanation:

1. Decay of bb(""_45^98"Rh")

""_45^98"Rh" -> ""_1^0"e" + ?

Positron (""_1^0"e") is formed in the reaction. Therefore it’s a β positive decay.

In a β positive decay proton turns into neutron. Therefore the resultant atom should have

"Protons = 45 – 1 = 44"
"Neutrons = (98 – 45) + 1 = 54"

An atom with 44 protons is "Ru"

So, β^+ decay reaction of ""_45^98"Rh" is

""_45^98"Rh" -> ""_44^98"Ru" + ""_1^0"e" + ν

——————

2. Decay of bb(""_23^52"V")

""_23^52"V" -> ""_"-1"^0"e" + ?

β particle ( ""_"-1"^0"e") is formed in the reaction. Therefore it’s a β negative decay.

In a β negative decay neutron turns into proton. Therefore the resultant atom should have

"Protons = 23 + 1 = 24"
"Neutrons = (52 – 23) – 1 = 28"

An atom with 24 protons is "Cr"

So, β^- decay of ""_23^52"V" is

""_23^52"V" -> ""_24^52"Cr" + ""_"-1"^0"e" + bar ν

Note: In a β-decay (both positive and negative) mass number remains same.