In the decay chain ²³²₉₀Th → ²¹²₈₂Pb, let Nα be the number of α emissions and Nβ the number of β⁻ emissions. Select the correct statement(s).
Select all that apply

Question

In the decay chain ²³²₉₀Th → ²¹²₈₂Pb, let Nα be the number of α emissions and Nβ the number of β⁻ emissions. Select the correct statement(s).

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Mass number: 232−4Nα=212 gives Nα=5. Atomic number after 5 α decays is 90−10=80; to reach 82 requires two β⁻ decays. Hence Nα=5 and Nβ=2. Correct options: A, C.