Question

The atomic mass of uranium `._(92)^(238)U` is `23.058 u`, that of throium` ._(90)^(234)Th` is `234.0436 u` and that of an alpha particle `._2^4He` is `4.006 u`, Determine the energy released when `alpha-decay` converts`._(92)^(238)U` into `._(92)^(238) U`. int `._(90)^(234)Th`.

Answer 1

The given nuclear reaction is
`._92U^(238) to ._90Th^(234)+._2He^4`
Mass defect, `Deltam=238.05079-234.04363-4.000260`
`=0.00456 u`
`:.` Energy released `=0.00456xx931.5MeV`
`=4.25MeV`