Question

Elements beyond iron are not formed by a-particle capture. It is believed they are formed by neutron capture. Once the nucleus gets enough neutrons, one neutron converts to an electron and a proton. Show how you can make zinc from copper by neutron capture.

Answer 1

Answer: The equation is $_{29}^{63}\textrm{Cu}\rightarrow _{30}^{63}\textrm{Zn}+_{-1}^0e$

Explanation:

Neutron capture is a process where a neutron is converted into a proton and an electron. The released particle is known as beta particle and it carries a charge of -1 units and has a mass of 0 units. It is also known as an electron. The general equation for this process is:

$_Z^A\textrm{X}\rightarrow _{Z+1}^A\textrm{Y}+ _{-1}^0\e$

The nuclear equation for the formation of zinc via neutron capture of copper follows:

$_{29}^{63}\textrm{Cu}\rightarrow _{30}^{63}\textrm{Zn}+_{-1}^0e$