The U-238 nucleus decays to form Pb-206 by $\alpha$ and $\beta$ decays.
-Calculate the number of $\alpha$ decays.
A)2
B)4
C)6
D)8
E)none of these

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The decay of U-238 to Pb-206 involves 8 alpha decays and 6 beta decays. Each alpha decay reduces the mass number by 4, and each beta decay does not change the mass number. Starting from U-238, 8 alpha decays reduce the mass number by 32, resulting in Pb-206.

The U-238 Nucleus Decays to Form Pb-206 By α\alphaα And β\betaβ Decays -Calculate the Number Of Form

The U-238 Nucleus Decays to Form Pb-206 By $\alpha$ And $\beta$ Decays
-Calculate the Number Of Form