An unstable isotope of Ta-184 is a beta producer. What is the other product of the reaction?
A) Hf-184
B) W-184
C) W-183
D) Pt-192
E) Ta-185

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Beta decay involves the transformation of a neutron into a proton and the emission of an electron and an antineutrino. Therefore, the atomic number of the nucleus increases by 1 while the mass number remains the same. In this case, Ta-184 undergoes beta decay to become W-184, with the emission of an electron and an antineutrino. Hf-184 and Ta-185 are not produced because they do not have the correct mass number. W-183 and Pt-192 are not involved in the reaction.

An Unstable Isotope of Ta-184 Is a Beta Producer