Fill in the missing information in the table:
| Decay Type | Mass of particle | Charge of particle | Symbol |
| :---------------- | :--------------- | :----------------- | :-------------- |
| Alpha | [?] | +2 | ${ }_2^4 He$ |
| Beta | 0 | | |
| | 0 | | ${ }_0^0 \gamma$ |
| Positron Emission | | +1 | |
Answer (2)
The mass of the alpha particle is 4.
The charge of the beta particle is -1, and its symbol is − 1 0 e .
The mass of the positron is 0, and its symbol is + 1 0 e .
The completed table provides all the required information about the different types of radioactive decay.
The final answers are: Mass of Alpha Particle: 4 , Charge of Beta Particle: − 1 , Symbol of Beta Particle: − 1 0 e , Mass of Positron: 0 , Symbol of Positron: + 1 0 e
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We are given a table describing different types of radioactive decay and asked to fill in the missing information. The table includes columns for the type of decay, the mass of the particle emitted, the charge of the particle, and the symbol representing the particle.
Mass of Alpha Particle For Alpha decay, we need to determine the mass of the alpha particle. From the symbol 2 4 He , we know that the mass number is 4.
Charge and Symbol of Beta Particle For Beta decay, we need to determine the charge and symbol of the beta particle. Beta particles are electrons, which have a charge of -1 and are represented by the symbol − 1 0 e .
Gamma Decay For Gamma decay, the mass is 0, the charge is 0, and the symbol is 0 0 γ . This row is already filled in.
Mass and Symbol of Positron For Positron Emission, we need to determine the mass and symbol of the positron. A positron has a mass of 0 and a charge of +1. The symbol for a positron is + 1 0 e .
Completed Table Now we can complete the table with the missing information:
Decay Type
Mass of particle
Charge of particle
Symbol
Alpha
4
+2
2 4 He
Beta
0
-1
− 1 0 e
Gamma
0
0
0 0 γ
Positron Emission
0
+1
+ 1 0 e
Final Answer The mass of the alpha particle is 4, the charge of the beta particle is -1, the symbol for the beta particle is − 1 0 e , the mass of the positron is 0, and the symbol for the positron is + 1 0 e .
Examples
Understanding radioactive decay is crucial in various fields, such as medicine for cancer treatment (radiation therapy), archaeology for carbon dating, and nuclear energy for power generation. For instance, in carbon dating, the decay of carbon-14 helps determine the age of ancient artifacts. In radiation therapy, radioactive isotopes are used to target and destroy cancerous cells. The principles of radioactive decay also play a vital role in designing and operating nuclear reactors.
The missing information in the table relates to the properties of particles emitted during different types of radioactive decay. The completed table shows that the mass of the alpha particle is 4, the beta particle has a charge of -1, and the positron has a charge of +1, both with a mass of 0. The symbols for the beta and positron particles are also provided in the table.
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