A radioactive reaction 92U238 ---> 82Pb206. How many α and β particles are emitted?
Correct answer: D. 8α and 6β
- A. 10α and 6β
- B. 4 proton and 8 neutrons
- C. 6 electrons and 8 protons:
- D. 8α and 6β
Explanation
The change in mass number is given by the difference in the mass numbers of the parent and daughter nuclei:238-206=32Each alpha particle has a mass number of 4, so the number of alpha particles emitted is given by:nα =ΔA/4 =32/4 =8The change in atomic number is given by the difference in the atomic numbers of the parent and daughter nuclei:92-82=108 alpha particles decrease the atomic number by 16 units, but the reaction specifies that only 10 units of change in atomic mass. So, 6 beta particles are also released to compensate this change.So, option d is correct.
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