When a ¹⁶²Re nucleus emits an alpha particle, the nuclear species that results is _____________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The given nucleus is sulfur-116 (¹⁶²Re). An alpha particle is a helium nucleus consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. When an alpha particle is emitted from the sulfur-116 nucleus, the resulting nucleus contains 2 fewer protons and 2 fewer neutrons. Thus, the resulting nucleus is Tantalum-158 (Ta 158), which has 73 protons and 85 neutrons. Therefore, the correct answer is choice C.

When a 162Re Nucleus Emits an Alpha Particle, the Nuclear

When a ¹⁶²Re Nucleus Emits an Alpha Particle, the Nuclear