The isotope $^{35}$S is radioactive and decays by emitting a beta particle (an electron) to form an isotope of a different element - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 11 - 2004 - Paper 1
Question 11
The isotope $^{35}$S is radioactive and decays by emitting a beta particle (an electron) to form an isotope of a different element.
During the decay process which o... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The isotope $^{35}$S is radioactive and decays by emitting a beta particle (an electron) to form an isotope of a different element - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 11 - 2004 - Paper 1
Step 1
Mass number
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Answer
In beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus is transformed into a proton, increasing the atomic number by 1 but not affecting the mass number. Therefore, the mass number remains unchanged.
Step 2
Atomic number
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Answer
Due to the conversion of a neutron to a proton, the atomic number increases by 1. This means the element transforms into another element with a higher atomic number.
Step 3
Nuclear charge
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Answer
The nuclear charge, which is determined by the number of protons, also increases as the atomic number increases. Thus, the nuclear charge increases as well.
