Uranium-238 decays to lead-206 through a series of nuclear reactions. Only $\alpha$ particles and $\beta$ particles are emitted. How many $\alpha$ particles are emitted?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Uranium-238 decays to lead-206 through a series of steps involving the emission of alpha (α) particles, which are helium nuclei, and beta (β) particles, which are electrons. Each alpha particle emission reduces the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4. To find the number of alpha particles emitted, we can compare the atomic numbers and mass numbers of uranium-238 and lead-206. The difference in mass numbers (238 - 206 = 32) divided by the mass number change per alpha particle (4) gives us 8 alpha particles emitted. Beta particles do not change the mass number, only the atomic number, so they are not directly relevant to this calculation.

Uranium-238 Decays to Lead-206 Through a Series of Nuclear Reactions α\alphaα

Uranium-238 Decays to Lead-206 Through a Series of Nuclear Reactions $\alpha$