The proton number of uranium is 92 and the proton number of radon is 88
Which series of decays turns a uranium nucleus into a radon nucleus? - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 10 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 10
The proton number of uranium is 92 and the proton number of radon is 88
Which series of decays turns a uranium nucleus into a radon nucleus?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The proton number of uranium is 92 and the proton number of radon is 88
Which series of decays turns a uranium nucleus into a radon nucleus? - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 10 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
A
α + β + β + α + α
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Answer
Incorrect
Step 2
B
β + β + α + β + α
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Answer
Using the same calculations:
2 β Decays: Increase of 2 (totaling from starting point of 92).
2 α Decays: Reduces the proton number by 4.
Therefore,
92+2−4=90
This option also does not yield Radon (88).
Thus, this option is also incorrect.
Step 3
C
a + α + α + β + β
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Answer
With this combination:
2 α Decays: Reduce by 4.
2 β Decays: Increase by 2.
So,
92−4+2=90
This still does not result in 88 (Radon). Hence, incorrect.
Step 4
D
β + β + β + β + α
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Answer
For this series:
4 β Decays: Increase by 4 (from 92).
1 α Decay: Reduces by 2.
Calculating the changes gives us:
92+4−2=94
This option does not result in Radon (88) as well.
Thus, incorrect.
