Advertisements
Advertisements
Question
Mass number of a radioactive element is 232 and its atomic number is 90. When this element undergoes certain nuclear reactions, it transforms into an isotope of lead with a mass number 208 and an atomic number 82. Determine the number of alpha and beta decay that can occur.
Advertisements
Solution
Mass number A = 232
Atomic number Z = 90
Daughter element:
Mass number A = 208
Atomic number Z = 82
Difference in mass number = 232 – 208 = 24
Difference in atomic number
= 90 – 82 = 8
Atomic number of α = 2
Atomic number of β = -1
Mass number of α = 4
Mass number of β = 0
Difference in mass number in transformations
= 24
Number of a decays = `24/4` = 6
Difference in atomic number = 8
ΔZ = 6α + 4β
= 6(2) + 4(-1)
= 12 – 4
= 8
∴ Number of β decays = 4
∴ Number of α decays = 6
∴ Number of β decays = 4
APPEARS IN
RELATED QUESTIONS
In the nuclear reaction 6X12 α decay ZYA, the value of A & Z.
Kamini reactor is located at ______.
Which of the following is/are correct?
- Chain reaction takes place in a nuclear reactor and an atomic bomb.
- The chain reaction in a nuclear reactor is controlled
- The chain reaction in a nuclear reactor is not controlled
- No chain reaction takes place in an atom bomb
If a moderator is not present, then a nuclear reactor will behave as an atom bomb.
Match: II
| a. | Fuel | lead |
| b. | Moderator | heavy water |
| c. | Control rods | cadmium rods |
| d. | Shield | uranium |
When and where was the first nuclear reactor built?
Give the function of control rods in a nuclear reactor.
In Japan, some of the new born children are having congenital diseases. Why?
Explain the process of controlled and uncontrolled chain reactions.
What is a nuclear reactor? Explain its essential parts with their functions.
