Chapter 25, Problem 38A

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

A balanced nuclear reaction is to be written for the given decay.

Concept Interpretation:

The process of radioactive decay is how an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy through radiation. A substance that has unstable nuclei is regarded as radioactive.

Answer to Problem 38A

  $\text{U}\to \text{T}\text{h+}\text{H}\text{e}$

Explanation of Solution

The balanced nuclear equation for the decay of uranium $\text{-238}\left(\right)$ where alpha radiation is emitted is:

  $\text{U}\to \text{T}\text{h+}\text{H}\text{e}$

Where the product element is

Thorium $\text{-234}\left(\text{T}\text{h}\right)$

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

A balanced nuclear reaction is to be written for the given decay.

Concept Interpretation:

The process of radioactive decay is how an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy through radiation. A substance that has unstable nuclei is regarded as radioactive.

Answer to Problem 38A

  $\text{T}\text{h}\to \text{R}\text{a+}\text{H}\text{e}$

Explanation of Solution

The balanced nuclear equation for the decay of uranium- $\text{-238}\left(\text{T}\text{h}\right)$ where alpha radiation is emitted is:

  $\text{T}\text{h}\to \text{R}\text{a+}\text{H}\text{e}$

Where the produced element $\text{-226}\left(\text{R}\text{a}\right)$

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

A balanced nuclear reaction is to be written for the given decay.

Concept Interpretation:

The process of radioactive decay is how an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy through radiation. A substance that has unstable nuclei is regarded as radioactive.

Answer to Problem 38A

  $\text{U}\to \text{}\text{Th+}\text{}\text{He}$

Explanation of Solution

The balanced nuclear equation for the decay of uranium $\text{-235}\left(\text{U}\right)$ where alpha radiation is emitted is

  $\text{U}\to \text{}\text{Th+}\text{}\text{He}$

Where the produced element is thorium $\text{-231}\left(\text{T}\text{h}\right)$

(d)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

A balanced nuclear reaction is to be written for the given decay.

Concept Interpretation:

The process of radioactive decay is how an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy through radiation. A substance that has unstable nuclei is regarded as radioactive.

Answer to Problem 38A

  $\text{R}\text{n}\to \text{P}\text{o}+\text{}\text{He}$

Explanation of Solution

The balanced nuclear equation for the decay of radon $\text{-222}\left(\text{R}\text{n}\right)$ where alpha radiation is emitted is:

  $\text{R}\text{n}\to \text{P}\text{o}+\text{}\text{He}$

Where the produced element is polonium $\text{-218}\left(\text{P}\text{o}\right)$