Question

Calculate the number of `alpha`- and `beta`-particles emitted when `._(92)U^(238)` into radioactive `._(82)Pb^(206)`.

Answer 1

Let `x alpha` and `y beta-` particles are given out during the change.
`:. ``._(92)U^(238) rarr ._(82)Pb^(206) + x_(2) He^(4) + Y` `._(-1)e^(0)`
Equating mass no. on both sides,
`238 = 206 + 4x + y xx 0`
`:. X = 8`
Equating atomic no. on both sides
`92 = 82 + 2x + y(-1) = 82 + 2 xx8 + y(-1)`
`:. y = 6`
`:.` No of `alpha-` particles `= 8`
`:.` No. of `beta-` particles `= 6`