A parent nucleus of Thorium (Th-230) (atomic #90) undergoes 2 sccesive alpha decays. How many protons does the final daughter nucleus contain?
2006-10-17 13:55:17 · 3 answers · asked by googlybear 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
In an alpha decay, the nucleus ejects an alpha particle (or a He2+ ion). For each decay, the number of protons drops by two. After 2 succesive alpha decays, Th would become Rn (86 protons).
2006-10-17 14:23:09 · answer #1 · answered by alyskim 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In alpha decay the nucleus loses the equivalent of a nucleus of Helium - that is 2 protons and 2 neutrons. Since the atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus, each alpha particle released reduces the atomic number by two. Two successive alpha particle releases would reduce the atomic number by four. If you started with 90 you would end up with 86.
2006-10-18 01:02:20 · answer #2 · answered by JimWV 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont know does this question have to do with nucleur ( dont know how to spell that) bombs? i have no idea sorry
2006-10-17 21:05:26 · answer #3 · answered by Caroline M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋