Question Detail

PHY 102 Test Compilation PHY 102 18 Objective Question

Question

What is the daughter nucleus formed when Uranium-238 undergoes alpha decay?
Options
A Thorium-234
Correct Answer
B Radium-226
C Plutonium-234
D Protactinium-231
Correct Answer

Option A is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

Alpha decay removes 2 protons and 2 neutrons (mass number -4, atomic number -2), converting Uranium-238 (Z=92) into Thorium-234 (Z=90).

Hint

Alpha decay reduces the mass number by 4 and the atomic number by 2 — check the periodic table for the element two places before uranium.

Question Info