Nuclear Reactions

Question

In the nuclear reaction ²³⁸₉₂U → ²³⁴₉₀Th + X, what is X?

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

1. **Conservation of Mass Number ($A$)**:
   - Initial $A = 238$.
   - Decay product $A = 234 + A_X$.
   - $A_X = 238 - 234 = 4$.
2. **Conservation of Atomic Number ($Z$)**:
   - Initial $Z = 92$.
   - Decay product $Z = 90 + Z_X$.
   - $Z_X = 92 - 90 = 2$.
3. **Identify Particle**: A particle with $A=4$ and $Z=2$ is a helium nucleus ($^4_2He$).
4. **Terminology**: This is known as an **alpha $(\alpha)$ particle**.

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