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

The process described in the question involves the absorption of a neutron and two beta decays. The absorption of a neutron will increase the atomic number of the nucleus by one, while the mass number will increase by the number of nucleons in the neutron. In this case, the mass number will increase by 1, and the atomic number will increase from 90 to 91.

After undergoing two beta decays, the resulting nucleus will have an atomic number of 92 and a mass number of 233. This is because each beta decay results in the conversion of a neutron to a proton, increasing the atomic number by one while keeping the mass number the same.

Therefore, the best choice is option D, uranium-233.

If a Nucleus of Th Absorbs a Neutron and the Resulting