Question

What is a balanced nuclear equation for the alpha decay of Strontium-90?

Answer 1

Answer: The balanced nuclear equation for the alpha decay of Sr-90 is $_{38}^{90}\textrm{Sr}\rightarrow _{36}^{86}\textrm{Kr}+_2^4\alpha$

Explanation:

A nuclear reaction is defined as the reaction in which the changes in the nucleus of an atom take place and usually form a different element. The types of decay processes are:

• Alpha decay
• Beta-decay
• Gamma decay

Alpha decay is the process in which a heavy nucleus decays into a light nucleus with the release of an alpha particle. This alpha particle carries a charge of +2 units and has a mass of 4 units. It is also known as the helium nucleus. The general equation for this decay process is:

$X_Z^A\rightarrow Y_{Z-2}^{A-4}+\alpha _2^4$

The nuclear equation for the alpha decay of strontium-90 isotope follows:

$_{38}^{90}\textrm{Sr}\rightarrow _{36}^{86}\textrm{Kr}+_2^4\alpha$