Textbook Question
Why do nuclei that are neutron-rich emit b particles? Why do nuclei that are neutron-poor emit a particles or positrons or undergo electron capture?
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Ch.20 - Nuclear Chemistry
Chapter 20, Problem 46
Thorium-232 decays by a 10-step series, ultimately yielding lead-208. How many alpha particles and how many beta particles are emitted?
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the decay process. Thorium-232 undergoes a series of nuclear decays to eventually form lead-208. In nuclear decay, alpha and beta particles are emitted to transform the nucleus into a more stable form.
Step 2: Recall the properties of alpha and beta decay. An alpha particle consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, reducing the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4. A beta particle is an electron emitted when a neutron converts into a proton, increasing the atomic number by 1 without changing the mass number.
Step 3: Calculate the change in mass number. The initial mass number is 232 (Thorium-232) and the final mass number is 208 (Lead-208). Determine how many alpha particles are needed to account for this change in mass number.
Step 4: Calculate the change in atomic number. The initial atomic number is 90 (Thorium) and the final atomic number is 82 (Lead). Determine how many beta particles are needed to account for this change in atomic number, considering the effect of alpha decay as well.
Step 5: Use the information from steps 3 and 4 to determine the number of alpha and beta particles emitted. Ensure that the total number of decays (10 steps) is consistent with the number of particles emitted.
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Americium-241, a radioisotope used in smoke detectors, decays by a series of 12 reactions involving sequential loss of a, a, b, a, a, b, a, a, a, b, a, and b particles. Identify each intermediate nucleus and the final stable product nucleus.
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Textbook Question
Radon-222 decays by a series of three a emissions and two b emissions. What is the final stable nucleus?
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Textbook Question
How many a particles and how many b particles are emitted in the 11-step decay of 235U into 207Pb?
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Open Question
Neptunium-237 decays by a series of steps to bismuth-209. How many α and β particles are produced by this decay process?
Textbook Question
Naturally occurring uranium-238 undergoes a radioactive decay series and emits 8 a particles and 6 b particles. What is the stable nucleus at the end of the series?
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