Question

Plutonium-239 undergoes two alpha decays and one beta decay, emitting 2

gamma rays in the process.

Answer 1

Plutonium-239 undergoes two alpha decays and one beta decay, emitting 2 gamma rays in the process.

Step-by-step explanation:

Plutonium-239 undergoes two alpha decays and one beta decay, emitting 2 gamma rays in the process. An alpha decay is the emission of an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons, from the nucleus of an atom. This results in the atomic number of the element decreasing by two. A beta decay is the decomposition of a neutron into a proton and an electron, with the electron being emitted as a beta particle. This results in the atomic number of the element increasing by one.

Let's break down the decay process for Plutonium-239:

1. Plutonium-239 undergoes its first alpha decay, turning into Uranium-235.
2. Uranium-235 then undergoes a beta decay, turning into Neptunium-235.
3. Finally, Neptunium-239 undergoes its second alpha decay, turning into Plutonium-239.

Throughout this process, 2 gamma rays are emitted.