Chapter 9, Problem 20P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Consider the step wise nuclear decay of Uranium-238, into thorium then to protactinium-234 and then to uranium-234. Comment on emission at each step.

Concept Introduction:

During nuclear decay following emissions are possible:

1. Alpha decay: there is a decrease of atomic number by two and mass number by four.
2. Beta decay: there is an increase in atomic number by one.