Question

8. Write the equation for the nuclear reaction described in each of the following processes, then give the amount of energy released or absorbed. Look up precice valuse mass for each element.

A. Iodine-131  undergoes normal beta decay (used in therapy for hyperthyroidism)

B. Americium-241 undergoes alpha decay (inside a smoke detector).

Answer 1

A) Iodine-131 undergoes normal beta decay to give Xenon 131, electron(beta particle) and an antineutrino

B) Americium-241 undergoes alpha decay to give Neptunium 237, an alpha particle and a gamma ray(photon)