Which Answer Choice Represents a Balanced Alpha Emission Nuclear Equation?
Alpha emission is a type of radioactive decay in which an alpha particle is emitted from the nucleus of an atom. This process involves the release of two protons and two neutrons from the nucleus, resulting in a new element with an atomic number two less than the original element. In this article, we will explore which answer choice represents a balanced alpha emission nuclear equation.
Understanding Alpha Emission
Before we dive into the answer choices, it’s essential to understand the concept of alpha emission. Alpha particles are high-energy particles that are composed of two protons and two neutrons. When an atom undergoes alpha emission, it releases an alpha particle from its nucleus, resulting in a new element with a different atomic number.
Alpha Emission Nuclear Equation
The alpha emission nuclear equation can be represented as:
Original Element → Alpha Particle + New Element
The key to balancing an alpha emission nuclear equation is to ensure that the number of protons and neutrons on both sides of the equation are equal.
Answer Choices
Now that we understand the concept of alpha emission and the nuclear equation, let’s take a look at the answer choices:
A)
238U → 4He + 234Th
B)
234Th → 4He + 230Ra
C)
226Ra → 4He + 222Rn
D)
222Rn → 4He + 218Po
E)
230Ra → 4He + 226Ra
Which Answer Choice is Balanced?
To determine which answer choice represents a balanced alpha emission nuclear equation, we need to count the number of protons and neutrons on both sides of the equation.
Protons:
- A) 238U has 92 protons, 234Th has 90 protons, and 4He has 2 protons. Total protons: 92 + 90 + 2 = 184
- B) 234Th has 90 protons, 230Ra has 88 protons, and 4He has 2 protons. Total protons: 90 + 88 + 2 = 180
- C) 226Ra has 88 protons, 222Rn has 86 protons, and 4He has 2 protons. Total protons: 88 + 86 + 2 = 176
- D) 222Rn has 86 protons, 218Po has 84 protons, and 4He has 2 protons. Total protons: 86 + 84 + 2 = 172
- E) 230Ra has 88 protons, 226Ra has 86 protons, and 4He has 2 protons. Total protons: 88 + 86 + 2 = 176
Neutrons:
- A) 238U has 146 neutrons, 234Th has 144 neutrons, and 4He has 2 neutrons. Total neutrons: 146 + 144 + 2 = 292
- B) 234Th has 144 neutrons, 230Ra has 142 neutrons, and 4He has 2 neutrons. Total neutrons: 144 + 142 + 2 = 288
- C) 226Ra has 138 neutrons, 222Rn has 136 neutrons, and 4He has 2 neutrons. Total neutrons: 138 + 136 + 2 = 276
- D) 222Rn has 136 neutrons, 218Po has 134 neutrons, and 4He has 2 neutrons. Total neutrons: 136 + 134 + 2 = 272
- E) 230Ra has 142 neutrons, 226Ra has 140 neutrons, and 4He has 2 neutrons. Total neutrons: 142 + 140 + 2 = 284
Balanced Equation:
By comparing the number of protons and neutrons on both sides of the equation, we can see that A) 238U → 4He + 234Th is the only answer choice that represents a balanced alpha emission nuclear equation.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the answer choice that represents a balanced alpha emission nuclear equation is A) 238U → 4He + 234Th. This equation is balanced because the number of protons and neutrons on both sides of the equation are equal.
Table: Balanced Alpha Emission Nuclear Equation
| Original Element | Alpha Particle | New Element | Protons | Neutrons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 238U | 4He | 234Th | 184 | 292 |
Summary:
- Alpha emission is a type of radioactive decay in which an alpha particle is emitted from the nucleus of an atom.
- The alpha emission nuclear equation can be represented as Original Element → Alpha Particle + New Element.
- The key to balancing an alpha emission nuclear equation is to ensure that the number of protons and neutrons on both sides of the equation are equal.
- The answer choice that represents a balanced alpha emission nuclear equation is A) 238U → 4He + 234Th.
By understanding the concept of alpha emission and balancing the nuclear equation, we can identify the correct answer choice.
