Question

Which reaction describes a beta emission?  2659Fe→ 2759Co +  −10e  88226Ra→ 86222Rn +  24He ��94239Pu +  24He→ 96242Cm  +  01n  54118Xe→ 53118I +  +10e

Answer 1

`Fe_(26)^(59) \rightarrow Co_(27)^(59) + e_(-1)^(0)`

Explanation:

beta particle:
`e_(-1)^(0)`

The option in the answer is the only one which includes a beta particle in the products.

In a beta emission, a neutron is converted to a proton, and the process creates an electron and an electron antineutrino. Here, Fe has 26 protons and 59 - 26 = 33 neutrons, and Co has 27 protons and 59 - 27 = 32 neutrons

Answer 2

Correct question:

Which reaction describes a beta emission? 2659Fe→ 2759Co + −10e,  88226Ra→ 86222Rn + 24He, 94239Pu + 24He→ 96242Cm + 01n, 54118Xe→ 53118I + +10e

Answer:

2659Fe→ 2759Co + 1e

Explanation:

General equation for beta decay is given as;

`^A_zX -> \ ^A_(z+1)Y +\ ^0_(-1) \beta`

where;

A is the atomic mass of the element

z is atomic number of the element

X is the parent atom

Y is the daughter element

β is beta emission

In beta emission, there is loss of one electron and zero proton, the will cause the daughter element to gain on electron in order to balance the reaction.

Based on beta decay equation above, we select the reaction that describes beta emission.

2659Fe→ 2759Co + 1e

Here;

A = 59

z = 26

z + 1 = 27