Plutonium-238 is an $\alpha$ emitter and a compact heat source. Coupled with a PbTe thermoelectric device, it was once used as a very reliable electrical energy source for cardiac pacemakers. What is the product of the radioactive decay of plutonium-238?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Plutonium-238 undergoes alpha decay to become uranium-234. Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons), which reduces the atomic number by 2 (from 94 to 92) and the mass number by 4 (from 238 to 234).

Plutonium-238 Is An α\alphaα Emitter and a Compact Heat Source

Plutonium-238 Is An $\alpha$ Emitter and a Compact Heat Source