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The radioactive nuclide $^{232}_{90}Th$ decays by one $\alpha$ emission followed by two $\beta^-$ emissions - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 10 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 10
The radioactive nuclide $^{232}_{90}Th$ decays by one $\alpha$ emission followed by two $\beta^-$ emissions. Which nuclide is formed as a result of these decays? A... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The radioactive nuclide $^{232}_{90}Th$ decays by one $\alpha$ emission followed by two $\beta^-$ emissions - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 10 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
Followed by two $\beta^-$ emissions
Answer
In a decay, a neutron is converted into a proton, resulting in an increase of 1 in the atomic number while the mass number remains unchanged. Performing this twice on gives:
- First emission:
- Second emission:
Thus, after two emissions, the final nuclide formed is .