College Physics (4th Edition)

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 0073512141
ISBN 13: 978-0-07351-214-3

Chapter 29 - Problems - Page 1117: 22

Answer

We can write the reaction: $^{232}_{90}Th \rightarrow ^{228}_{88}Ra+^{4}_{2}He$ The daughter nuclide is $~~^{228}_{88}Ra$

Work Step by Step

During $\alpha$ decay, an alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons) are released from the nucleus. Therefore, in the daughter nuclide, the total number of nucleons decreases by 4, and the number of protons decreases by 2. The daughter nuclide has 228 nucleons and 88 protons. The element with 88 protons in the nucleus is radium. We can write the reaction: $^{232}_{90}Th \rightarrow ^{228}_{88}Ra+^{4}_{2}He$ The daughter nuclide is $~~^{228}_{88}Ra$.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.