Question

Which equation shows the beta decay of a transuranium element

Answer 1

1) Since you have not provided the equations to select the right one, I am going to explain you the relevant facts that are used to solve this question.

2) The transuranium elements are the chemiical elements with atomic number greater than that of the uranium.

The atomic number of uranium is 92. So, the transuranium elements are the elements with atomic number 93 or greater.

This are some of the transuranium elements:

Neptunio - 93

Plutonium - 94

Americium - 95

Curium - 96

Berkelium - 97

Californium - 98

Einstenium - 99

And so all the known elements (the last one is the 118).

3) In a nuclear reaction the total mass number ( shown as superscript to the left of the symbol) and total atomic number (shown as subscript to the left of the symbol) are conserved.

4) Beta decay is the release of a beta particle, which is an electron (considered massles and with charge - 1). So, the beta decay is represented with the symbol:

0

  β, which means 0 mass and charge - 1.

-1

5) This is, then, an example of a β decay equation for one transuranium element:

239              239            0

      Np    →         Pu   +      β

  93                94            -1

As you see 239 = 239 + 0 and 93 = 94 - 1, showing that the total mass number ( shown as superscript to the left of the symbol) and the total atomic number (shown as subscript to the left of the symbol) are conserved.