Question

What is a balanced nuclear equation for the alpha decay of Strontium-90?

Answer 1

Answer: The balanced nuclear equation for the alpha decay of Sr-90 is
`_(38)^(90)\textrm{Sr}\rightarrow _(36)^(86)\textrm{Kr}+_2^4\alpha`

Step-by-step explanation:

A nuclear reaction is defined as the reaction in which the changes in the nucleus of an atom take place and usually form a different element. The types of decay processes are:

• Alpha decay
• Beta-decay
• Gamma decay

Alpha decay is the process in which a heavy nucleus decays into a light nucleus with the release of an alpha particle. This alpha particle carries a charge of +2 units and has a mass of 4 units. It is also known as the helium nucleus. The general equation for this decay process is:

`X_Z^A\rightarrow Y_(Z-2)^(A-4)+\alpha _2^4`

The nuclear equation for the alpha decay of strontium-90 isotope follows:

`_(38)^(90)\textrm{Sr}\rightarrow _(36)^(86)\textrm{Kr}+_2^4\alpha`