Neptunium-237 undergoes a series of α-particle and β-particle productions to end up as thallium-205. How many α particles and β particles are produced in the complete decay series? α particles β particles?

8 alpha particles

4 beta particles

Explanation:

We are given;

Neptunium-237 Thallium-205 Neptunium-237 undergoes beta and alpha decay to form Thallium-205.

We are required to determine the number of beta and alpha particles produced to complete the decay series.

We need to know that when a radioisotope emits an alpha particle the mass number reduces by 4 while the atomic number decreases by 2. When a beta particle is emitted the mass number of the radioisotope increases by 1 while the atomic number remains the same.

In this case;

Neptunium-237 has an atomic number 93, while,

Thallium-205 has an atomic number 81.

Therefore;

²³⁷₉₃Np → x⁴₂He + y⁰₋₁e + ²⁰⁵₈₁Ti

We can get x and y

237 = 4x + y (0) + 205

237-205 = 4x

4x = 32

x = 8

On the other hand;

93 = 2x + (-y) + 81

but x = 8

93 = 16 - y + 81

y = 4

Therefore, the complete decay equation is;

²³⁷₉₃Np → 8⁴₂He + 4⁰₋₁e + ²⁰⁵₈₁Ti

Thus, Neptunium-237 emits 8 alpha particles and 4 beta particles to become Thallium-205.