Question

Mass number of a radioactive element is 232 and its atomic number is 90. When this element undergoes certain nuclear reactions, it transforms into an isotope of lead with a mass number 208 and an atomic number 82. Determine the number of alpha and beta decay that can occur.​

Answer 1

Answer:

n

2

=4

Explanation:

90

Th

232

→

82

Pb

208

+n

1

α+n

2

β

−

Mass Balance

(mass of alpha particle =4)

232=208+4n

1

n

1

=6

Now, atomic no./proton balance

90=82+2n

1

−n

2

n

2

=4