9(iii)
(a)
- Which element is used in the lining of the special aprons worn by workers in nuclear power plants?
- Why is this element preferred?
(b) ${}_{11}^{24}\text {Na}$ emits a nuclear radiation which does not alter the mass number but is deflected by a magnetic field.
- (a)Name the type of nuclear radiation emitted by ${}_{11}^{24}\text {Na}$.
- (b)Write the equation for this radioactive decay.
Show SolutionHide Solution↓
(a)
- Lead is used in the lining of the special aprons worn by workers in nuclear power plants.
- Lead is preferred because it is a dense metal and absorbs harmful nuclear radiations effectively.
(b)
- The radiation that does not change the mass number but is deflected by a magnetic field is beta (β) radiation.
Hence, beta (β) radiation is emitted by $_{\textbf {11}}^{\textbf {24}}\textbf {Na}$. - Radioactive decay equation:
$_{11}^{24}\text {Na} \longrightarrow _{12}^{24}\text {Na} + _{-1}^{0}\text {β}$
In this decay, a beta particle (electron) is emitted, the atomic number increases by 1, while the mass number remains unchanged.