What is the final nucleus after a series of radioactive decays?

  • Thread starter athenaroa
  • Start date
In summary, modern physics discusses the process of radioactive decay, specifically beta and alpha decay. Beta decay results in an increase of one proton in the atomic number, while alpha decay decreases the atomic number by two and the relative atomic mass by four. While there is no isotope of Uranium with 91 protons, the lightest isotope of Uranium has 218 nucleons and undergoes alpha decay.
  • #1
athenaroa
11
0
modern physics

A certain radioactive nucleus has ' approximate mass' 212 and contains 92 protons. The nucleus undergoes beta decay. The remaining (product) nucleus, still radioactive, undergoes alpha decay, leaving yet a new nucleus. The number of protons in this 'final' new nucleus is:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
beta decay the atomic number is raised by one, alpha decay the relative atomic mass decreases by 4 and the atomic number decreases by 2.
 
  • #3
91. However, there is no such beast. The lightest isotope of Uranium has 218 nucleons, and it alpha decays.
 
  • #4
mathman said:
91. However, there is no such beast. The lightest isotope of Uranium has 218 nucleons, and it alpha decays.

Uranium doesn't have 91 protons. Protactinium does. I don't think the existence of the isotope is necessarily an important part of the exercise.
 

1. What is modern physics?

Modern physics is the branch of physics that deals with the study of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic level. It includes theories such as quantum mechanics, relativity, and nuclear physics.

2. What is nuclear physics?

Nuclear physics is the branch of modern physics that studies the structure and behavior of atomic nuclei. It deals with the strong and weak forces that hold the nucleus together, as well as nuclear reactions and nuclear energy.

3. What is quantum mechanics?

Quantum mechanics is a theory of modern physics that describes the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic level. It explains the dual nature of particles as both waves and particles, and how they interact with each other.

4. What is relativity?

Relativity is a theory of modern physics that explains the relationship between time, space, and gravity. It is divided into two branches: special relativity, which deals with objects moving at constant speeds, and general relativity, which deals with objects in accelerated motion or in the presence of gravity.

5. How is modern physics used in everyday life?

Modern physics has many practical applications in everyday life, such as the use of nuclear power for electricity generation, the development of new technologies like lasers and semiconductors, and the use of quantum mechanics in electronic devices like computers and smartphones. It also helps us understand the behavior of matter and energy in the universe, from the smallest subatomic particles to the largest galaxies.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
739
  • Chemistry
Replies
24
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
15
Views
2K
Back
Top