Question

The transmutation of a radioactive uranium isotope, 234/92U , into a radon isotope, 222/86Rn , involves a series of three nuclear reactions. At the end of the first reaction, a thorium isotope,230/90Th , is formed and at the end of the second reaction, a radium isotope, 226/88Ra , is formed. In both the reactions, an alpha particle is emitted. Write the balanced equations for the three successive nuclear reactions.

Answer 1

Answer:

See explanation below

Explanation:

234/92U--------> 230/90Th + 4/2He

230/90Th----->226/88Ra + 4/2He

There are various modes of radioactive decay. One of them is alpha decay.

Alpha decay involves the loss of an alpha particle from a nucleus. When this occurs, the mass number of the daughter nucleus is four units less than that of the parent while the atomic number of the daughter nucleus is two units less than that of its parent as shown in the equations above.

An alpha particle is akin to a helium nucleus in terms of mass and charge