Question

Write a balanced nuclear equation for radioactive decay of thorium-230 with the emission of an alpha particle.

Answer 1

\(\alpha\) particle = 2 protons + 2 neutrons

Answer 2

So the equation would be
\[\frac{ 4 }{ 2 } He = 2p + 2n\] ?

Answer 3

you start off with thorium

Answer 4

I know that it's \[\frac{ 230 }{ 90 } Th\]
But where do I put it into the equation?

Answer 5

on the left side because it's a reactant

Answer 6

So in that case,
\[\frac{ 230 }{ 90 } Th + \frac{ 4 }{ 2 } He = 2p + 2n\]
?

Answer 7

nope, it's decay, the alpha particle is a product

Answer 8

So I isolate the alpha product, right?

Answer 9

idk what you mean by "isolate", the \(\alpha\) goes on the right

Answer 10

just the a? or with the protons and neutrons too?

Answer 11

\[\frac{ 230 }{ 90 } Th + 2p + 2n = \frac{ 4 }{ 2 }He\]

Answer 12

the \(\alpha\) is the 2 protons and 2 neutrons

Answer 13

I thought a particle is the nucleus of a helium atom?

Answer 14

it is

Answer 15

what I'm getting at is that the products are an \(alpha\) particle and the result from subtracting 2 protons and 2 neutrons from the thorium atom

Answer 16

So in that case...
\[\frac{ 230 }{ 90 } Th - 2p - 2n = \alpha particle\]

Answer 17

you don't have to show a subtraction, otherwise the equation isn't balanced

\(^{230}_{90}Th \rightarrow ~^4_2He+~^{226}_{88}?\)

Answer 18

i understand it now, but why isn't there a Th on the right side?

Answer 19

so im assuming if it just asked for an equation, I would be allowed to show the subtraction?

Answer 20

we'll that element decayed into another element, you need to identify it by looking at the number of protons (which is the atomic number).

Answer 21

the problem is that if you show the subtraction then it wont be balanced (unless you don't show the alpha particle on the right side).

Answer 22

Think of it backward for a second.
Take radium, cram in a hydrogen nucleus. You get
raduim + hydrogen nucleus reacts to form thorium.

Chemistry is always concerned with products. Chemists love saying "Matter can not be created nor destroyed", who says nor? Anyway,

Thorium reacts to form an alpha particle and what?
\[^{230}_{90}Th \rightarrow ~^4_2He+~^{226}_{88}?\]
as @aaronq asked

Answer 23

you mean Helium nucleus

Answer 24

yes i do