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Question: Answered & Verified by Expert

A radioactive nucleus (initial mass number A and atomic number Z) emits three α - particles and two positrons. The ratio of number of neutrons to that of protons in the final nucleus will be

PhysicsNuclear PhysicsNEET
Options:
  • A A-Z-4Z-2
  • B A-Z-8Z-4
  • C A-Z-4Z-8
  • D A-Z-12Z-4
Solution:
2929 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: A-Z-4Z-8
After emitting three α - particles, the radioactive nucleus (initial mass number A and atomic number Z) will be rendered into a nucleus having mass number (A-12) and atomic number (Z-6). Further, after emitting two positrons, the mass number will remain unchanged i.e., (A-12) but atomic number will become (Z-6-2) i.e., (Z-8).

Therefore, number of protons in the final nucleus =A-12-Z-8=A-Z-4

Therefore, the ratio of number of neutrons to that of protons in the final nucleus

=A-Z-4Z-8

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