6. Thorium-234 decays by giving off one particle, and the decay can be represented by the following nuclear equation:

a.) What is the complete equation?

b.) What type of radiation is given off in this reaction?

c.) Where does it come from?

23892 U→ l 23490 Th + 42 He

Explanation:

Uranium-238 produces thorium-234 by alpha decay.

An α-particle is a helium nucleus. It contains 2 protons and 2 neutrons, for a mass number of 4.

During α-decay, an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle. It transforms (or decays) into an atom with an atomic number 2 less and a mass number 4 less.

Thus, uranium-238 decays through α-particle emission to form thorium-234 according to the equation:

23892 U→ l 23490 Th + 42 He

Note that the sum of the subscripts (atomic numbers or charges) is the same on each side of the equation.

Also, the sum of the superscripts (masses) is the same on each side of the equation.