Question

When uranium-238 emits an alpha particle, what isotope is created? Show the nuclear equation for this reaction.

Answer 1

Do you know what an alpha particle is?

Answer 2

we have the subsequent nuclear decay:
\[\Large {U^{238}} \to T{h^{234}} + {\alpha ^4},\quad 4.5 \times {10^9}years\]

Answer 3

i have no idea what an alpha particle is

Answer 4

http://www.chemteam.info/Radioactivity/Writing-Alpha-Beta.html

Answer 5

an alpha particel is the nucleus of the deuterium, which contains 2 protons and 2 neutrons, so its mass number is 2+2=4, furthermore, since an alpha particle doesn't have electrons, it charge is +4 e, where e=1.6*10^(-19) Coulombs

Answer 6

particle*

Answer 7

Alpha particles are typically written as
And yes, 2 protons and 2 neutrons leave the nucleus of the atom undergoing alpha decay.

Answer 8

ok so i would add that to uranium

Answer 9

No, as @Michele_Laino showed, the alpha particle is one of the products.

Answer 10

And we can figure out with the other product is by the number of protons left.

Answer 11

you have to add the alpha particle to Thorium 234

Answer 12

Since the uranium is losing 2 protons (it started with 92), it has 90 left over.

Answer 13

Which is Th

Answer 14

so its thorium 90 or am i missing another step

Answer 15

And it lost 4 from it's mass number (protons + neutrons), which is why the mass number of Th is 234.

Answer 16

It is Thorium-234

Answer 17

Thank you!!

Answer 18

Thank you! :)

Answer 19

You're welcome. :-)

Answer 20

And, @Michele_Laino Please don't just give answers. That is against policy and does not help the student to learn most effectively.

Answer 21

I don't gave the direct answer, I also wrote the created isotope, as requested by the question

Answer 22

@JoannaBlackwelder

Answer 23

the unique way to know the requested isotope, is to look at the decays diagram, as I have done @JoannaBlackwelder

Answer 24

This entire site just gives out answers. Should be called "do my homework for me"