Tritium Beta Decay

³H → ³He + e⁻ + ν̄_e

Descripción general

Tritium (hydrogen-3) undergoes beta decay to helium-3 with a half-life of 12.3 years, emitting a very low energy electron (max 18.6 keV). The low beta energy means tritium radiation cannot penetrate skin and is only hazardous if ingested or inhaled. Tritium is produced in nuclear reactors and by cosmic rays.

Participantes

Rol	Sustancia	Coeficiente	Estado
Reactivo	Hydrogen H	1	(g)
Producto	Helium He	1	(g)

Ejemplo cotidiano

Self-luminous exit signs and watch dials use tritium gas sealed in phosphor-coated glass tubes that glow without batteries for over 10 years.

Importancia industrial

Utilizado en relojes y señales luminiscentes, investigación de fusión nuclear y como trazador en hidrología.

Propiedades

Tipo: Nuclear
Reversible: No
Energía: Exotérmico
ΔH: -1800000,0 kJ/mol

Reacciones relacionadas

Alpha Decay of Radium-226 Alpha Decay of Radon-222 Alpha Decay of Thorium-232 Neutron Capture by Uranium-238 Beta Decay of Iodine-131 Beta Decay of Strontium-90 Alpha Decay of Polonium-210 Americium-241 Alpha Decay Beta Decay of Cobalt-60 Electron Capture by Beryllium-7

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Tritium Beta Decay?

The balanced equation is: ³H → ³He + e⁻ + ν̄ₑ.

What type of reaction is Tritium Beta Decay?

Tritium Beta Decay is a nuclear reaction.

Is Tritium Beta Decay exothermic or endothermic?

Tritium Beta Decay is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -1800000.0 kJ/mol.