Predict the other product of the following nuclear transformation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The given nuclear transformation could represent an alpha decay, in which an alpha particle (a helium nucleus) is emitted. In alpha decay, the atomic number of the nucleus decreases by 2 and the mass number decreases by 4. Therefore, the other product should have an atomic number that is 2 less than 92 (the atomic number of uranium) and a mass number that is 4 less than 238 (the mass number of uranium), which gives us an atomic number of 90 (thorium) and a mass number of 234. Choice C represents thorium-234.

Predict the Other Product of the Following Nuclear Transformation