Answer :
Final answer:
Cerium-141 transforms into Praseodymium-141 when it undergoes beta decay due to the emission of an electron, which increases the atomic number by one while keeping the atomic mass constant. The correct option is c.
Explanation:
When Cerium-141 undergoes beta decay, it produces a new isotope, Praseodymium-141. Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an electron (or beta particle) is emitted. This process results in the atomic number of the element increasing by one while the atomic mass remains the same. Thus, when Cerium-141 (Ce-141), which has an atomic number of 58, undergoes beta decay, it transforms into Praseodymium-141 (Pr-141), with an atomic number of 59.
Answer:
the correct answer is:
c) Praseodymium-141
Explanation:
When cerium-141 undergoes beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton, resulting in the emission of a beta particle (an electron) and an antineutrino. This process transforms cerium-141 into a new element.
To determine the new radioisotope produced, we need to find the element that has one more proton in its nucleus compared to cerium-141. Cerium has an atomic number of 58. Adding one proton would shift it one place to the right on the periodic table.
The element immediately to the right of cerium on the periodic table is praseodymium, with atomic number 59.
So, the correct answer is:
c) Praseodymium-141
