Question

In the following radioactive equation,

\[\ce{^235_92U -> X + α -> Y + β -> Z + γ}\]

The atomic numbers of nuclei X, Y and Z are:

Options

• Z_X = 90, Z_Y = 91, Z_Z = 91

• Z_X = 88, Z_Y = 89, Z_Z = 89

• Z_X = 90, Z_Y = 91, Z_Z = 91

• Z_X = 92, Z_Y = 91, Z_Z = 91

Answer 1

Z_X = 90, Z_Y = 91, Z_Z = 91

Explanation:

α-decay drops the atomic number from 92 to 90, β-decay increases it by one to 91, and γ-decay keeps it unchanged at 91.