Mother Nuclide
Definition and meaning of Mother Nuclide in chemistry.
A mother nuclide, also known as a parent nuclide, is a radioactive isotope that undergoes radioactive decay to form a different isotope. This initial unstable nucleus decays into a more stable daughter nuclide, releasing radiation in the process.
In more detail
The decay of a mother nuclide is characterized by a specific half-life, which is the time required for half of the sample to decay. This predictable process continues until a stable, non-radioactive isotope is ultimately formed. In complex decay chains, a mother nuclide may decay into a daughter nuclide that is also radioactive. This daughter will then act as a new mother nuclide for the subsequent step in the decay series.
Key facts
| Field | Physical Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Concept | Radioactive decay |
| Result | Produces a daughter nuclide |
Uranium-238 acts as a mother nuclide when it undergoes alpha decay to become Thorium-234, the daughter nuclide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a mother nuclide and a daughter nuclide?
The mother nuclide is the original unstable isotope, while the daughter nuclide is the product formed after radioactive decay.
Can a daughter nuclide become a mother nuclide?
Yes, in a decay series, a radioactive daughter nuclide can act as a mother nuclide for the next decay step.