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What type of radiation is emitted in the nuclear reaction ^238U92 → ^234Th90 + ?

A) Alpha radiation
B) Beta radiation
C) Gamma radiation
D) Neutron radiation

User Jmagder
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

In the nuclear reaction ^238U92 → ^234Th90 + ?, alpha radiation is emitted. This is seen as the emission of an alpha particle, which leads to a decrease in both the atomic and mass numbers of the uranium atom.Therefore, the correct answer is A) alpha radiation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nuclear reaction provided, ^238U92 → ^234Th90 + 4n, is a spontaneous fission process that occurs in the decay of uranium-238 (^238U). During this process, uranium-238 decays into thorium-234 (^234Th) by releasing four neutrons (n).

The type of radiation emitted in this nuclear reaction is not beta or gamma radiation. Beta radiation refers to the emission of high-energy electrons or positrons, while gamma radiation refers to high-energy electromagnetic radiation. Instead, this reaction releases alpha radiation, which consists of helium nuclei (alpha particles) with a mass of four and a charge of two.

Alpha particles are relatively large and heavily ionizing, making them easily stopped by a few centimeters of air or a sheet of paper. Therefore, the correct answer is A) alpha radiation.

User Ehab Refaat
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