What happens when thorium emits an alpha particle?
The thorium-234 produced in this reaction is also unstable, so it will undergo radioactive decay as well. The alpha particle (42He) produced in the reaction can join with two free electrons to form the element helium. This is how most of Earth’s helium formed.
Does thorium emit alpha particles?
Thorium is an element that occurs naturally in the earth’s crust. The only naturally occurring isotope of thorium is 232Th and it is unstable and radioactive. The radioactive decay series of 232Th is complex and produces alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. …
What happens when a radioactive nucleus emits an alpha particle?
Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons . When a nucleus emits an alpha particle, these changes happen: the mass number decreases by 4. the atomic number decreases by 2.
What products are formed when thorium-234 undergoes alpha decay?
A nucleus of uranium-238 decays by alpha emission to form a daughter nucleus, thorium-234. This thorium, in turn, transforms into protactinium-234, and then undergoes beta-negative decay to produce uranium-234.
Which particle has the most mass?
neutron
The subatomic particle with the largest mass is the neutron. However, the difference in mass between a neutron and proton is very small.
What does alpha radiation do to the body?
Inside the body, however, they can be very harmful. If alpha-emitters are inhaled, swallowed, or get into the body through a cut, the alpha particles can damage sensitive living tissue. The way these large, heavy particles cause damage makes them more dangerous than other types of radiation.
Why do we primarily concern about RN-222?
Epidemiological studies have established radon as a leading cause of lung cancer. Natural decay of uranium-238, a component of the earths’ crust, results in the release of radon-222 gas. Concentrations of radon are typically low outdoors, but can accumulate in enclosed environments.
When does an atom emit an alpha particle?
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.
What kind of radiation can you get from thorium?
The radiation from the decay of thorium and its decay products is in the form of alpha and beta particles and gamma radiation. Alpha particles can travel only short distances and cannot penetrate human skin. Beta particles are generally absorbed in the skin and do not pass through the entire body. Gamma radiation, however, can penetrate the body.
How does uranium 235 decay into an atom of thorium?
By emitting an alpha particle, an atom of uranium-235 decays into an atom of thorium. An alpha particle, which is the same as a helium nucleus, is represented by 4 2H e. How would you complete the equation for this reaction? 235 92 U →??
What kind of energy does a thorium nucleus have?
A stationary thorium nucleus (A = 220,Z = 90) emits an alpha particle with kinetic energy E α
