Question

What is the respective number of α and β particles emitted in the following radioactive decay?

(a) 8 and 8

(b) 8 and 6

(c) 6 and 8 

(d) 6 and 6

Answer 1

On emission of one α-particle, atomic number decreases by 2 units and atomic mass number decrease by 4 units. 

Here, decrease in mass number = 200 - 168 = 32

Number of α-particles = 32/4 = 8. 

While the emission of β-particle does not effect the mass number and atomic number increases by 1 unit.

Number of β-particles = 16 - 10 = 6.