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Physics

(a) The isotope of 92U238 decays by α-emission to an isotope of thorium(Th). The thorium isotopes decays by β-emission to an isotope of protactinium (Pa). Write down the equations to represent these two nuclear charges.

(b) Calculate the numbers of α and β particles emitted.

Radioactivity

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Answer

(a) When a radioactive uranium nucleus 92238U{92}^{238}\text{U} emits an α particle, a new nucleus thorium 90234Th{90}^{234}\text{Th} is formed and the change is represented as follows —

92238U⟶ 90234Th+ 24He_{92}^{238}\text{U} \longrightarrow \space _{90}^{234}\text{Th} + \space _{2}^{4}\text{He}

When thorium 90234Th_{90}^{234}\text{Th} isotope decays by a β-emission to an isotope of protactinium (Pa), the change is represented as follows —

90234Th⟶ 91234Pa+ −10e_{90}^{234}\text{Th} \longrightarrow \space _{91}^{234}\text{Pa} + \space _{-1}^{\enspace 0}\text{e}

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