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Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
A decay chain of the nucleus U92238 involves eight α -decays and six β -decays. The final nucleus at the end of the process will be
PhysicsNuclear PhysicsNEET
Options:
  • A Z=84;A=206
  • B Z=84;A=224
  • C Z=82;A=206
  • D Z=82;A=200
Solution:
2652 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: Z=82;A=206
(i) When α -particle is emitted from a radioactive nucleus then atomic number decreases by 2 and atomic mass decreases by 4 .

(ii) When β -particle emitted from a radioactive nucleus then atomic number is increased by 1 and atomic mass unaffected.

Here, atomic number Z=92

After emitting 8 α -particles and 6β -particles,

Z=92-2×8+6=82

and atomic mass, A=238

A=238-4×8=206

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