Use app×
Join Bloom Tuition
One on One Online Tuition
JEE MAIN 2025 Foundation Course
NEET 2025 Foundation Course
CLASS 12 FOUNDATION COURSE
CLASS 10 FOUNDATION COURSE
CLASS 9 FOUNDATION COURSE
CLASS 8 FOUNDATION COURSE
0 votes
1.1k views
in Physics by (69.9k points)

How many alpha and beta particles are emitted when 235 92U Uranium nucleus decays to Lead 206 82 Pb?

1 Answer

+1 vote
by (72.7k points)
selected by
 
Best answer

When 235 92U decays to 235 92U, the mass number decreases from 238 to 206 i.e. it decreases by 32. Since emission of beta particle (β) does not change the mass number and with the emission of one a (alpha) particle, mass number decreases 4, so total number of alpha particles emitted will be 32/4 = 8. 

In the decay of 235 92U to lead 206 82Pb,the atomic number has decreased by 10. But due to emission of 8 αparticles, the atomic mass would have decreased by 2 x 8 = 16. Thus there is an increase in atomic number by 6, hence 6 Beta (β) particles will be emitted. (Because in emission of one beta particle, atomic number increases by 1). Thus 235 92U decays to 235 92U with emission of 8- α particles and 6 β-particles.

Welcome to Sarthaks eConnect: A unique platform where students can interact with teachers/experts/students to get solutions to their queries. Students (upto class 10+2) preparing for All Government Exams, CBSE Board Exam, ICSE Board Exam, State Board Exam, JEE (Mains+Advance) and NEET can ask questions from any subject and get quick answers by subject teachers/ experts/mentors/students.

Categories

...