IB Physics SL E 3 8 Decay Equations Questions

Balance SL nuclear-decay equations by conserving nucleon number and charge, identifying missing particles and decay sequences.

Exam points

complete alpha, beta-minus, beta-plus and electron-capture equations by conserving nucleon number and proton number
identify missing electrons, positrons, neutrinos, antineutrinos or neutrons from nuclear reaction data
select and order decay processes such as neutron capture, electron capture, alpha decay and beta decay to obtain a stated daughter nucleus

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Study E.3.8—Decay equations conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

[Maximum number: 2]

A nucleus of tritium decays to a nucleus of helium-3. Identify the particles X and Y in the nuclear reaction equation for this decay.

{ }_{1}^{3} \mathrm{H} \rightarrow{ }_{2}^{3} \mathrm{He}+\mathrm{X}+\mathrm{Y}

X:
Y:

$\beta^{-}$ or ${ }_{-1}^{0} \mathrm{e}$ or $\mathrm{e}^{-}$ or electron or beta particle;
$\bar{v}$ or ${ }_{0}^{0} \bar{v}$ or antineutrino;

Marking guidance:

Allow answers in either order.

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IB Physics SL E 3 8 Decay Equations Questions question 1