If a nucleus of Th absorbs a neutron and the resulting nucleus undergoes two successive beta decays (emitting electrons), what nucleus results?

Question

If a nucleus of  Th absorbs a neutron and the resulting nucleus undergoes two successive beta decays (emitting electrons), what nucleus results?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Starting with 11ea8004_e380_e0a6_846e_eb9f8a5cd1df_TB4071_11 Th, absorbing a neutron will result in 11ea8004_e380_e0a6_846e_9048868b6d12_TB4072_11 Th.

The first beta decay will convert a neutron to a proton, resulting in 11ea8004_e380_e0a6_846f_23b05d726bd2_TB4073_11 Pa.

The second beta decay will convert another neutron to a proton, resulting in 11ea8004_e380_e0a6_846f_e2c5252c07e2_TB4074_11 U.

Therefore, the resulting nucleus is Uranium-233, which is choice D.

If a Nucleus of Th Absorbs a Neutron and the Resulting