Find the energy released in the decay of uranium 238 to thorium 234.
Related questions
Question
![**Topic: Calculating Energy Released in Nuclear Decay**
**Problem Statement:**
Find the energy released in the decay of uranium-238 to thorium-234.
**Explanation:**
When uranium-238 (\( ^{238}\text{U} \)) undergoes radioactive decay, it transforms into thorium-234 (\( ^{234}\text{Th} \)). This process involves the emission of an alpha particle (\( ^{4}\text{He} \)), as detailed in the nuclear equation:
\[ ^{238}_{92}\text{U} \rightarrow ^{234}_{90}\text{Th} + ^{4}_{2}\text{He} + \text{energy} \]
To calculate the energy released in this decay, one must consider the masses of the reactants and products, applying the conservation of mass and energy principles (Einstein's equation: \( E = mc^2 \), where \(E\) is energy, \(m\) is mass, and \(c\) is the speed of light).
___](/v2/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.bartleby.com%2Fqna-images%2Fquestion%2F4fdfc26a-e6d8-4dfd-b2bf-654dccb4509d%2Fdc719d5f-0396-451d-8a1c-0faa7b1eb642%2Fqmsuolv_processed.png&w=3840&q=75)
Transcribed Image Text:**Topic: Calculating Energy Released in Nuclear Decay**
**Problem Statement:**
Find the energy released in the decay of uranium-238 to thorium-234.
**Explanation:**
When uranium-238 (\( ^{238}\text{U} \)) undergoes radioactive decay, it transforms into thorium-234 (\( ^{234}\text{Th} \)). This process involves the emission of an alpha particle (\( ^{4}\text{He} \)), as detailed in the nuclear equation:
\[ ^{238}_{92}\text{U} \rightarrow ^{234}_{90}\text{Th} + ^{4}_{2}\text{He} + \text{energy} \]
To calculate the energy released in this decay, one must consider the masses of the reactants and products, applying the conservation of mass and energy principles (Einstein's equation: \( E = mc^2 \), where \(E\) is energy, \(m\) is mass, and \(c\) is the speed of light).
___
Expert Solution
This question has been solved!
Explore an expertly crafted, step-by-step solution for a thorough understanding of key concepts.
Step by step
Solved in 3 steps
