Question

3. Write the equation for the nuclear reaction described in each of the following processes: a.Americium-241(241Am)undergoes alpha decay (inside a smoke detector) b.lodine-131 (1311) undergoes normal beta decay (used in therapy for hyperthyroidism) C.Fluorine-18 (18F) undergoes positron emission (one of the radionuclides used in PET scans)

Answer 1

1241 smoke detectors. Its decay in Am 95 is mainly used process provides a useful tool for detecting ? we the smoke particles presence. As we know when an x- Particle is removed there is decreament of 4 unit in atomic mass decreament of 2 unit in atomic number. INp + He and 2,41 237 "Am m 95 93

we As we know when a ß- particle is removed there is increament of 1 unit in atomic number Hence Iodine 131 forms Xenon-131 after 18-decay. Note :- There is no change in atomic mass during B-decay. al 131 131 I Xet op 53 54

Positron is like an electron but it contains positive charge. During the emission of one positron a proton is converted into neutron hence atomic no decreases by one unit. O + 18 18 10 E +1 oe 9 8