An unknown nucleus undergoes two successive radioactive decays

PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Nuclei · Nuclei

Problem

An unknown nucleus

X

undergoes two successive radioactive decays. First it emits an

\alpha

-particle and immediately afterward it emits a

\beta^{-}

-particle, finally transforming into the daughter nucleus

\_ {27}^{56}\mathrm{Co}

. Answer the following questions. (i) Write the nuclide symbol (including

A

and

Z

) of the original nucleus

X

before any decay took place. (ii) Determine the number of protons and neutrons present in

X

. (iii) State whether

X

is an isotope, an isobar or an isotone of

\_ {26}^{56}\mathrm{Fe}

. Justify your answer. (iv) Comment briefly on the relative chemical properties of

X

and the final daughter nucleus

\_ {27}^{56}\mathrm{Co}