Question

The equation
92U238 -> 90Th234 + 2He4
would represent what kind of nuclear reaction?
A. alpha decay
B. beta decay
C. fusion
D. fission

Answer 1

What's the definition of alpha decay and beta decay?

Answer 2

I have no idea. They are types of decay

Answer 3

Look up what each of the answers mean. Once you know what they mean, this question will be really easy, easier than the last one.

Answer 4

ok

Answer 5

alpha decay is caused by too many protons and beta decay is caused by too many neutrons

Answer 6

No.

Alpha decay is when an atom ejects an alpha particle. An alpha particle is two protons and two neutrons. Like this:
http://education.jlab.org/glossary/alphadecay.gif

Beta decay is when an atom ejects an electron.

You look up fission and fusion.

Answer 7

fission produces a lot of energy very quickly. It's useful for heat in power plants that make electricity. Fusion allows scientists a very quick way to give a lot of energy and it's also used for ehat in power plants. It occurs whne two lighter elements combine to make a heavier element

Answer 8

Fission is when an atom is bombarded by neutrons causing it to break apart into atoms with lower atomic numbers, like this:

Answer 9

Fusion is what you say it is.

Now, given all of that, what kind of nuclear reaction is
92U238 -> 90Th234 + 2He4

Answer 10

fission?

Answer 11

Fission? Where are the neutrons coming into the atom? I don't see any neutrons on the LHS of the equation. There's just an atom there.

Answer 12

ok..fusion

Answer 13

btw, a Helium nucleus can have two protons and two neutrons.

Answer 14

Fusion? Where are two atoms being combined? I only see one atom on the LHS

Answer 15

ok

Answer 16

beta decay?

Answer 17

Stop. Think. Read the definitions again.

Answer 18

oh! It's Alpha decay

Answer 19

http://outreach.atnf.csiro.au/education/senior/cosmicengine/images/sun/alphadecay.gif

Answer 20

ok....so am I right?

Answer 21

Yes, the reaction of your question is exactly the reaction in the picture I just posted.

Answer 22

ok thanks for helping me, James

Answer 23

\[^{92}U_{238} -> ^{90}Th_{234} + ^2He_4\]

So if we have a alpha particle \[^2He_4\] (two protons two neutrons)
leaving the reaction the reaction is exhibiting alpha decay

Answer 24

thank you