Determining # of Beta Decays from Alpha Decay

In summary, to determine the number of beta decays from an alpha decay, you need to know the parent and daughter nuclei and the type of decay. Alpha and beta decay are both types of radioactive decay, with alpha involving the emission of an alpha particle and beta involving the emission of a beta particle. The half-life of a substance cannot be determined solely from its alpha decay rate. Determining the number of beta decays from alpha decay helps in understanding the overall decay process and has some limitations, such as assuming all energy is used to create beta particles and not accounting for other types of decay.
  • #1
Kim_Jong
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Homework Statement
Consider a nuclear process in which U-238 undergoes several Alpha and Beta decays and becomes Pb-206. How many Alpha and Beta decays occur in this process?
Relevant Equations
.
Alpha particle has two protons and neutrons so mass = 4.

4x = 238 -206.

x = 1/4(238-206) = 8 Alpha decays.

How would I determine the number of Beta decays? Since the mass doesn't change here.
 

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  • #2
How many protons are left if you do all the alpha decays first?
 
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  • #3
76. So there will be 6 Beta decays.
 

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