Fundamentals of Physics Extended (10th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1-11823-072-8
ISBN 13: 978-1-11823-072-5

Chapter 43 - Energy from the Nucleus - Questions - Page 1329: 3

Answer

The nuclide which remains after the decay is: $~~^{239}Np$

Work Step by Step

$^{238}U$ has 238 nucleons $^{238}U$ has 92 protons and 146 neutrons If $^{238}U$ swallows a neutron, then there are 239 nucleons There are 92 protons and 147 neutrons When an atom decays by beta-decay, a neutron decays into a proton. Then there are 93 protons and 146 neutrons, for a total of 239 nucleons. Note that Neptunium has 93 protons. The nuclide which remains after the decay is: $~~^{239}Np$
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