The radioactive material Samarium 153 (Sm-153) is identified by character ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Samarium has an atomic number of 62, which means it has 62 protons in its nucleus. Samarium 153 means it has 153 total nucleons (which includes both protons and neutrons). Since the atomic number is 62, it means there are 91 neutrons in the nucleus (153-62=91).

The character for Sm-153 is determined by the mode of decay. Sm-153 undergoes beta decay, which means it emits beta particles (electrons) from its nucleus as it decays. The beta particles have high kinetic energy, and the Sm-153 nucleus is left in an excited state. To return to its ground state, the Sm-153 nucleus emits gamma radiation.

The character for beta particles is B, while the character for gamma radiation is 8. Therefore, the correct choice is B.

The Radioactive Material Samarium 153 (Sm-153) Is Identified by Character