Fill in the missing symbol in this nuclear chemical equation. 238 234 90 Th + 92 U 00 X ?

Introduction to General, Organic and Biochemistry
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ISBN:9781285869759
Author:Frederick A. Bettelheim, William H. Brown, Mary K. Campbell, Shawn O. Farrell, Omar Torres
Publisher:Frederick A. Bettelheim, William H. Brown, Mary K. Campbell, Shawn O. Farrell, Omar Torres
Chapter9: Nuclear Chemistry
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### Nuclear Chemical Equation: Fill in the Missing Symbol

#### Problem Statement:

Fill in the missing symbol in this nuclear chemical equation.

\[ \frac{238}{92} U \rightarrow \frac{234}{90} \text{Th} + \boxed{\text{?}} \]

#### Explanation:

This nuclear equation represents a uranium-238 atom undergoing a decay process to become thorium-234. To understand what particle is emitted during this decay, we need to balance both the mass number (superscript) and the atomic number (subscript).

1. **Mass Number Balance:**
   - Initial mass number (Uranium-238): 238
   - Final mass number (Thorium-234): 234
   - The difference: \( 238 - 234 = 4 \)

2. **Atomic Number Balance:**
   - Initial atomic number (Uranium-92): 92
   - Final atomic number (Thorium-90): 90
   - The difference: \( 92 - 90 = 2 \)

From this information, we can deduce that the missing particle must have a mass number of 4 and an atomic number of 2, which corresponds to an alpha particle (\( \alpha \) or \( \frac{4}{2} \text{He} \)).

Thus, the complete nuclear equation is:

\[ \frac{238}{92} U \rightarrow \frac{234}{90} \text{Th} + \frac{4}{2} \text{He} \]

#### Additional Tools:

On the right side of the problem statement is a tool panel with three symbols:
- An "X" button, possibly for closing or canceling.
- An arrow indicating a refresh or redo action.
- A question mark for help or additional information.

These tools are likely part of an interactive interface to assist with solving the given problem.
Transcribed Image Text:### Nuclear Chemical Equation: Fill in the Missing Symbol #### Problem Statement: Fill in the missing symbol in this nuclear chemical equation. \[ \frac{238}{92} U \rightarrow \frac{234}{90} \text{Th} + \boxed{\text{?}} \] #### Explanation: This nuclear equation represents a uranium-238 atom undergoing a decay process to become thorium-234. To understand what particle is emitted during this decay, we need to balance both the mass number (superscript) and the atomic number (subscript). 1. **Mass Number Balance:** - Initial mass number (Uranium-238): 238 - Final mass number (Thorium-234): 234 - The difference: \( 238 - 234 = 4 \) 2. **Atomic Number Balance:** - Initial atomic number (Uranium-92): 92 - Final atomic number (Thorium-90): 90 - The difference: \( 92 - 90 = 2 \) From this information, we can deduce that the missing particle must have a mass number of 4 and an atomic number of 2, which corresponds to an alpha particle (\( \alpha \) or \( \frac{4}{2} \text{He} \)). Thus, the complete nuclear equation is: \[ \frac{238}{92} U \rightarrow \frac{234}{90} \text{Th} + \frac{4}{2} \text{He} \] #### Additional Tools: On the right side of the problem statement is a tool panel with three symbols: - An "X" button, possibly for closing or canceling. - An arrow indicating a refresh or redo action. - A question mark for help or additional information. These tools are likely part of an interactive interface to assist with solving the given problem.
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