Question

2 phyisics, a radioactive element 92 x 238 emits one alpha partical and one beta particle in succession , what is the mass no of new element formed ?

Answer 1

Answer: The mass number of new element formed will be 234 units.

Explanation:

We are given an element $_{92}^{238}\textrm{X}$

where,

Mass number of the element = 238 units

Atomic number of the element = 92

This element emits one alpha particle, and then one beta particle. Alpha particle has a mass of 4 units and beta particle carry no mass.

So, the equations for the emission of alpha and beta particle follows:

$_{92}^{238}\textrm{X}\rightarrow _{90}^{234}\textrm{Y}+_2^4\alpha\\\\_{90}^{234}\textrm{X}+_2^4\alpha\rightarrow _{91}^{234}\textrm{Z}+_{-1}^0\beta$

Hence, the mass number of new element formed will be 234 units.