3(vi)
A uranium nucleus (92U235) undergoes an alpha emission followed by 2 beta emissions.
Calculate the atomic number and mass number of the daughter nucleus formed.
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Given,
- Atomic number of uranium (Z) = 92
- Mass number of uranium (A) = 235
On emission of one α-particle — the atomic number decreases by 2 and the mass number decreases by 4.
Atomic number = 92 - 2 = 90
Mass number = 235 - 4 = 231
On emission of two β-particles — the atomic number increases by 1 for each β-particle and the mass number remains unchanged.
So, for emission of two β-particles:
Atomic number = 90 + 2 = 92
Mass number = 231
Hence, the daughter nucleus has atomic number 92 and mass number 231.