Asked in ETEA MDCAT 2012 2012Moderate

In the nuclear reaction 11 Na24 12Mg24 + X, the particle X is;

Correct answer: A. Electron

  • A. Electron
  • B. Positron
  • C. Proton
  • D. Neutron

Explanation

In the nuclear reaction 11Na24 → 12Mg24 + X, the atomic number increases by one, indicating a beta-minus decay. In this process, a neutron in the sodium nucleus is converted into a proton, resulting in the emission of an electron (beta particle) and an antineutrino. Thus, the particle X is an electron.The other options are incorrect because:A positron emission would decrease the atomic number, which contradicts the observed increase.A proton emission would change the atomic number, but not in a way that matches the given reaction.A neutron emission would affect the mass number but not lead to the increase in atomic number observed here.

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About Radioactive Decay

Radioactive decay is the spontaneous transformation of unstable nuclei, described by decay constant, activity, half life and the exponential decay law. Work includes alpha, beta and gamma emissions, decay equations and remaining nuclei, with half life distinguished from the time required for complete decay.

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