Understanding Alpha Emission Nuclear Equations

Oct 13, 2025 by pynkocean.com 113 views

Which Answer Choice Represents a Balanced Alpha Emission Nuclear Equation?

Understanding Alpha Emission Nuclear Equations

Alpha emission is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons. This process results in the transformation of one element into another, with a decrease in the atomic number by two units and a decrease in the mass number by four units. A balanced alpha emission nuclear equation is essential to understand the changes that occur during this process.

Balanced Nuclear Equations

A balanced nuclear equation is a chemical equation that represents the transformation of one element into another through a nuclear reaction. In the case of alpha emission, the equation must balance the atomic numbers and mass numbers on both sides of the reaction. The general form of an alpha emission nuclear equation is:

${_{Z}^{A}X \longrightarrow{ }_{Z-2}^{A-4}Y +{ }_2^4 He}$

where X is the parent nucleus, Y is the daughter nucleus, Z is the atomic number, A is the mass number, and He is the alpha particle.

Analyzing the Answer Choices

Let's analyze each of the answer choices to determine which one represents a balanced alpha emission nuclear equation.

A. ${$ { }{26}^{52} Fe \longrightarrow{ }{25}^{52} Mn +{ }_{+1}^0 e$}$

This equation represents the beta decay of iron-52 to manganese-52, not alpha emission. The atomic number decreases by one unit, but the mass number remains the same. This is not a balanced alpha emission nuclear equation.

B. ${$ { }{92}^{235} U \longrightarrow{ }{94}^{239} Pu +{ }_2^4 He$}$

This equation represents the alpha emission of uranium-235 to plutonium-239. However, the mass number of the daughter nucleus (239) is not four units less than the mass number of the parent nucleus (235). This is not a balanced alpha emission nuclear equation.

C. ${$ { }{92}^{235} U \longrightarrow{ }{90}^{231} Th +{ }_2^4 He$}$

This equation represents the alpha emission of uranium-235 to thorium-231. The atomic number of the daughter nucleus (90) is two units less than the atomic number of the parent nucleus (92), and the mass number of the daughter nucleus (231) is four units less than the mass number of the parent nucleus (235). This is a balanced alpha emission nuclear equation.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of the answer choices, the correct answer is C. ${$ { }{92}^{235} U \longrightarrow{ }{90}^{231} Th +{ }_2^4 He$}$. This equation represents a balanced alpha emission nuclear equation, with a decrease in the atomic number by two units and a decrease in the mass number by four units.

Understanding the Importance of Balanced Nuclear Equations

Balanced nuclear equations are essential in understanding the changes that occur during nuclear reactions. They provide a way to predict the products of a nuclear reaction and to calculate the energy released or absorbed during the reaction. In the case of alpha emission, a balanced equation is necessary to ensure that the atomic numbers and mass numbers on both sides of the reaction are equal.

Applications of Balanced Nuclear Equations

Balanced nuclear equations have numerous applications in various fields, including nuclear medicine, nuclear power generation, and nuclear waste management. They are used to design and operate nuclear reactors, to develop new medical treatments, and to manage nuclear waste.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a balanced alpha emission nuclear equation is essential to understand the changes that occur during this process. By analyzing the answer choices, we have determined that the correct answer is C. ${$ { }{92}^{235} U \longrightarrow{ }{90}^{231} Th +{ }_2^4 He$}$. This equation represents a balanced alpha emission nuclear equation, with a decrease in the atomic number by two units and a decrease in the mass number by four units.
Q&A: Alpha Emission Nuclear Equations

Understanding Alpha Emission Nuclear Equations

Q: What is alpha emission?

A: Alpha emission is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, which consists of two protons and two neutrons.

Q: What is the result of alpha emission?

A: The result of alpha emission is the transformation of one element into another, with a decrease in the atomic number by two units and a decrease in the mass number by four units.

Q: What is a balanced alpha emission nuclear equation?

A: A balanced alpha emission nuclear equation is a chemical equation that represents the transformation of one element into another through a nuclear reaction. In the case of alpha emission, the equation must balance the atomic numbers and mass numbers on both sides of the reaction.

Q: How do I determine if an alpha emission nuclear equation is balanced?

A: To determine if an alpha emission nuclear equation is balanced, you must ensure that the atomic numbers and mass numbers on both sides of the reaction are equal. The general form of an alpha emission nuclear equation is:

${_{Z}^{A}X \longrightarrow{ }_{Z-2}^{A-4}Y +{ }_2^4 He}$

Q: What is the significance of balanced nuclear equations?

A: Balanced nuclear equations are essential in understanding the changes that occur during nuclear reactions. They provide a way to predict the products of a nuclear reaction and to calculate the energy released or absorbed during the reaction.

Q: What are the applications of balanced nuclear equations?

A: Balanced nuclear equations have numerous applications in various fields, including nuclear medicine, nuclear power generation, and nuclear waste management. They are used to design and operate nuclear reactors, to develop new medical treatments, and to manage nuclear waste.

Q: Can you provide an example of a balanced alpha emission nuclear equation?

A: Yes, an example of a balanced alpha emission nuclear equation is:

${$ { }{92}^{235} U \longrightarrow{ }{90}^{231} Th +{ }_2^4 He$}$

This equation represents the alpha emission of uranium-235 to thorium-231, with a decrease in the atomic number by two units and a decrease in the mass number by four units.

Q: How do I write a balanced alpha emission nuclear equation?

A: To write a balanced alpha emission nuclear equation, you must ensure that the atomic numbers and mass numbers on both sides of the reaction are equal. You can use the general form of an alpha emission nuclear equation as a guide:

${_{Z}^{A}X \longrightarrow{ }_{Z-2}^{A-4}Y +{ }_2^4 He}$

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a balanced alpha emission nuclear equation?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when writing a balanced alpha emission nuclear equation include:

Not balancing the atomic numbers and mass numbers on both sides of the reaction
Not using the correct symbols for the elements and particles involved
Not including the correct number of alpha particles in the equation

Conclusion

In conclusion, a balanced alpha emission nuclear equation is essential to understand the changes that occur during this process. By following the general form of an alpha emission nuclear equation and ensuring that the atomic numbers and mass numbers on both sides of the reaction are equal, you can write a balanced equation that accurately represents the transformation of one element into another.