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A nucleus of element X emits an alpha particle to produce the nucleus \( {^{235}_{93}Y} \) - Edexcel - A-Level Physics - Question 3 - 2023 - Paper 4
Question 3
A nucleus of element X emits an alpha particle to produce the nucleus \( {^{235}_{93}Y} \). Which of the following is the correct nucleon structure of element X? A ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A nucleus of element X emits an alpha particle to produce the nucleus \( {^{235}_{93}Y} \) - Edexcel - A-Level Physics - Question 3 - 2023 - Paper 4
Step 1
Determine the effect of alpha particle emission
Answer
When an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, it loses 2 protons and 2 neutrons. In this case, the resulting nucleus is ( {^{235}_{93}Y} ). To find the nucleon structure of element X, we need to add 2 protons and 2 neutrons back to those numbers.
Therefore,
- Protons in element X = 93 + 2 = 95
- Neutrons in element X = 144 + 2 = 146
Step 2
Compare the options
Answer
Given the proton count of element X as 95, we look at the options:
-
A: 95 protons and 235 neutrons (not valid, should be 146)
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B: 93 protons and 144 neutrons (not valid)
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C: 93 protons and 237 neutrons (not valid)
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D: 89 protons and 138 neutrons (not valid)
Thus, the correct answer based on calculations is option A, 95 protons is the only feasible match.