Which of the following nuclear equations correctly describes alpha emission?
A) $\begin{array} { c }
238 \
92
\end{array}$ U ? $\begin{array} { c }
234 \
90
\end{array}$ Th + $\begin{array} { c }
4\
2
\end{array}$ He
B) $\begin{array} { c }
238\
92
\end{array}$ U ? $\begin{array} { c }
234 \
92
\end{array}$ U + $\begin{array} { c }
4\
2
\end{array}$ He
C) $\begin{array} { c }
238\
92
\end{array}$ U ? $\begin{array} { c }
242 \
94
\end{array}$ Pu + $\begin{array} { c }
4 \
2
\end{array}$ He
D) $\begin{array} { c }
238\
92
\end{array}$ U ? $\begin{array} { c }
4 \
2
\end{array}$ He
E)none of the above

Question

Which of the following nuclear equations correctly describes alpha emission?
A) $\begin{array} { c } 
238 \
92
\end{array}$ U ? $\begin{array} { c } 
234 \
90
\end{array}$ Th + $\begin{array} { c } 
4\
2
\end{array}$ He
B) $\begin{array} { c } 
238\
92
\end{array}$ U ? $\begin{array} { c } 
234 \
92
\end{array}$ U + $\begin{array} { c } 
4\
2
\end{array}$ He
C) $\begin{array} { c } 
238\
92
\end{array}$ U ? $\begin{array} { c } 
242 \
94
\end{array}$ Pu + $\begin{array} { c } 
4 \
2
\end{array}$ He
D) $\begin{array} { c } 
238\
92
\end{array}$ U ? $\begin{array} { c } 
4 \
2
\end{array}$ He
E)none of the above

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Alpha emission involves the release of an alpha particle, which is equivalent to a helium nucleus ($^4_2$He). In this process, the original atom loses two protons and two neutrons, resulting in a decrease in both atomic number and mass number. Option A correctly shows uranium-238 decaying into thorium-234 plus an alpha particle, reflecting the loss of two protons (atomic number decreases from 92 to 90) and two neutrons (mass number decreases from 238 to 234).

Which of the Following Nuclear Equations Correctly Describes Alpha Emission 23892\begin{array} { c } 238 \\92\end{array}23892​

Which of the Following Nuclear Equations Correctly Describes Alpha Emission $\begin{array} { c } 238 \\92\end{array}$