Write a partial decay series for Th-232 undergoing the following sequential decays: a, ß, a, ß

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Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
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**Question 4**: Write a partial decay series for Th-232 undergoing the following sequential decays: α, β, α, β.

**Explanation**:

In this problem, we need to determine the decay sequence for Thorium-232 (Th-232) undergoing a series of radioactive decays: alpha (α), beta (β), alpha (α), and beta (β). Here is a step-by-step breakdown:

1. **Starting Nucleus**: 
   - Thorium-232 (Th-232) is our starting isotope.
   - It decays with the following sequence: α, β, α, β.

2. **Step 1: Alpha Decay (α) of Th-232**:
   - Alpha decay reduces the mass number by 4 and the atomic number by 2.
   - Th-232 (Z=90) → Ra-228 (Z=88)

3. **Step 2: Beta Decay (β) of Ra-228**:
   - Beta decay increases the atomic number by 1 with no change in the mass number.
   - Ra-228 (Z=88) → Ac-228 (Z=89)

4. **Step 3: Alpha Decay (α) of Ac-228**:
   - Alpha decay reduces the mass number by 4 and the atomic number by 2.
   - Ac-228 (Z=89) → Fr-224 (Z=87)

5. **Step 4: Beta Decay (β) of Fr-224**:
   - Beta decay increases the atomic number by 1 with no change in the mass number.
   - Fr-224 (Z=87) → Ra-224 (Z=88)

By following these steps, the decay series for Th-232 undergoing sequential decays as specified is synthesized.
Transcribed Image Text:**Question 4**: Write a partial decay series for Th-232 undergoing the following sequential decays: α, β, α, β. **Explanation**: In this problem, we need to determine the decay sequence for Thorium-232 (Th-232) undergoing a series of radioactive decays: alpha (α), beta (β), alpha (α), and beta (β). Here is a step-by-step breakdown: 1. **Starting Nucleus**: - Thorium-232 (Th-232) is our starting isotope. - It decays with the following sequence: α, β, α, β. 2. **Step 1: Alpha Decay (α) of Th-232**: - Alpha decay reduces the mass number by 4 and the atomic number by 2. - Th-232 (Z=90) → Ra-228 (Z=88) 3. **Step 2: Beta Decay (β) of Ra-228**: - Beta decay increases the atomic number by 1 with no change in the mass number. - Ra-228 (Z=88) → Ac-228 (Z=89) 4. **Step 3: Alpha Decay (α) of Ac-228**: - Alpha decay reduces the mass number by 4 and the atomic number by 2. - Ac-228 (Z=89) → Fr-224 (Z=87) 5. **Step 4: Beta Decay (β) of Fr-224**: - Beta decay increases the atomic number by 1 with no change in the mass number. - Fr-224 (Z=87) → Ra-224 (Z=88) By following these steps, the decay series for Th-232 undergoing sequential decays as specified is synthesized.
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