Question 178: Atoms & Nuclei

Question

How many alpha and beta particles are emitted when Uranium
92
U
238
decays to lead
82
Pb
206
?

Accepted Answer

$${}_{92}{U^{238}}\buildrel {} \over
 \longrightarrow {}_{82}P{b^{206}} + x\left( {{}_2H{e^4}} \right) + {}_y\left( {{}_{ - 1}{\beta ^0}} \right)$$
$$238 = 206 + 4x + 0$$
$$ \Rightarrow 4x = 32 \Rightarrow x = 8$$
also, $$92 = 82 + 2x - y$$
$$y = 82 + 16 - 92 = 6$$

Answer

3 alpha particles and 5 beta particles

Answer

6 alpha particles and 4 beta particles

Answer

4 alpha particles and 5 beta particles

Answer

8 alpha particles and 6 beta particles

Atoms & Nuclei

How many alpha and beta particles are emitted when Uranium 92 U 238 decays to lead 82 Pb 206 ?

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