Question

1. Uranium-238 decays by giving off one particle, and the decay can be represented by the following nuclear equation: 92238U 90234Th + __________.

• What is the complete equation?
• What type of radiation is given off in this reaction?
• Where does it come from?
Hint: What is an alpha particle

Answer 1

The complete equation is: 92238U --> 90234Th + 42He

This type of radiation is alpha decay in which an alpha particle is a Helium nucleus with 2 protons and 2 nuetrons. This nucleus/alpha particle(s) are released to stabilize the radioactive atom, in this case, the 92238Uranium.