Chapter 21, Problem 21.101QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The nuclear equation for the decay of Thorium-230 to radium by alpha emission has to be written.

Concept Introduction:

Nuclear equation:

A nuclear reaction is said to be balanced nuclear equation when the sums of the superscript and the sums of the subscripts must be equal on each equation.

Reactant mass number = product mass number

Reactant atomic number = product atomic number

In a nuclear equation we must explicit the proton, neutron, electrons that are producing the course of the fission reaction or fusion reaction.

Special symbol is used for the alpha and beta particle and for proton and neutrons.

${}_{\text{2}}^{\text{4 }}{\text{α or }}_{\text{2}}^{\text{4 }}\text{He}$ is alpha particle

${}_{\text{-1}}^{\text{0 }}{\text{β or }}_{\text{-1}}^{\text{0 }}e$  is beta particle

$n_0^1$ is neutron

${}_1^1{\text{p or }}_1^1\text{H}$ is proton

To Write: The nuclear equation for the decay of Thorium-230 to radium by alpha emission