Final answer:
The decay equation for the α decay of ²³⁵U is ²³⁵U → ²³¹Pa + α. The daughter isotope in this decay is ²³¹Pa (protactinium-231). The energy released in this decay can be calculated using the mass difference between the parent and daughter nuclides.
Step-by-step explanation:
The decay equation for the α decay of ²³⁵U is:
²³⁵U → ²³¹Pa + α
The daughter isotope in this decay is ²³¹Pa (protactinium-231).
The energy released in this decay can be calculated using the mass difference between the parent and daughter nuclides, according to Einstein's equation E = mc².
The energy that goes to the α particle can be calculated as the difference between the total energy released and the energy needed to form the daughter nucleus.