Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 33 - Think and Explain - Page 635-636: 72

Answer

It could emit two beta particles and one alpha particle.

Work Step by Step

The atomic number decreases by 2 for alpha emission, because alpha particles carry a charge of +2e. The atomic number increases by 1 for beta emission, because beta particles carry a charge of -1e. After emitting two beta particles and one alpha particle, the atomic number would be the same, and it would be the same element. However, it would be a different isotope because its mass number would be down by 4. This is discussed on pages 628-629.
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