We’re being asked to what type of decay happens when Ga-73 undergoes radioactive decay to Ga-73.
Recall that in a nuclear reaction, the number of protons and neutrons is affected and the identity of the element changes.
The different types of radioactive decay are:
• Alpha decay: forms an alpha particle (42α, atomic mass = 4, atomic number = 2)
• Beta decay: forms a beta particle (0–1β, atomic mass = 0, atomic number = –1). The beta particle appears in the product side.
• Gamma emission: forms a gamma particle (00γ, atomic mass = 0, atomic number = 0)
• Positron emission: forms a positron particle (01e, atomic mass = 0, atomic number = 1)
• Electron capture: the initial nuclide captures an electron (0–1e, atomic mass = 0, atomic number = –1). The electron appears in the reactant side.
The nuclear equation must be balanced with the same total atomic mass and atomic number on both sides.
Step 1: Balance the atomic mass on both sides.
Step 2: Balance the atomic number on both sides.
Step 3: Identify the particle formed.
An unstable isotope of Ga-73 undergoes radioactive decay to Ga-73 and what?
A. gamma radiation
B. beta radiation
C. alpha radiation
D. positron emission
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