Question

If a radioactive isotope of thorium (atomic number 90, mass number 232) emits 6 alpha particles and 4 beta particles during the course of radioactive decay, what is the mass number of the stable daughter product?

Answer 1

Answer:

The mass number of the stable daughter product is 208

Explanation:

First thing's first, we have to write out the equation of the reaction. This is given as;

²³²₉₀Th → 6 ⁴₂α  +  4 ⁰₋₁ β + X

In order to obtain the identity of X, we have to obtain it's mass numbers and atomic number.

There is conservation of matter so we expect the mass number to remain the same in both the reactant and products.

Mass Number

Reactant = 232

Product = (6* 4 = 24) + (4 * 0 = 0) + x = 24 + x

since reactant = product

232 = 24 + x

x = 232 - 24 = 208

Atomic Number

Reactant = 90

Product = (6* 2 = 12) + (4 * -1 = -4) + x = 8 + x

since reactant = product

90 = 8 + x

x = 90 - 8 = 82