Question

Consider the following reactions: A. uranium-238 emits an alpha particle; B. plutonium-239 emits an alpha parti- cle; C. thorium-239 emits a beta particle. a. Rank the resulting nucleus by atomic number, from highest to lowest. b. Rank the resulting nucleus by the number of neutrons, from most to least.

Answer 1

Answer:

a)Ranking according to decreasing atomic number

B> C>A

b)Ranking according to decreasing neutron number

C>B>A

Explanation:

The nuclear equations corresponding to process A, B and C in that order are shown in the image attached.

Considering the proton numbers of the daughter nuclei, the order of decreasing atomic or proton numbers shown in the answer can easily be verified from the individual nuclear equations shown in the image.

Similarly, the neutron number is obtained from (mass number- atomic or proton number). The order given in the answer can also be verified from the nuclear equations shown.