In the naturally occurring thorium-232 decay series, the steps emit this sequence of particles: α,β-,β-,α,α,α,α,β-,α. Write a balanced equation for each step.

Short Answer

Expert verified

90232Th24α+88228Ra88228Ra-10β+89228Ac89228Ac-10β+90228Th90228Th24α+88224Ra88224Ra24α+86220Rn86220Rn24α+84216Po84216Po24α+82212Pb82212Pb-10β+83212Bi83212Bi-10β+84212Po84212Po24α+82208Pb

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Nuclear Chemistry

Nuclear chemistry is a branch of chemistry concerned with the “study of changes” in the nucleus of atoms. These nuclear alterations produce nuclear power and radioactivity, and the energy generated by nuclear reactions has a wide range of uses.

02

Explanation of the balanced equation.

αdecay is a radioactive process in which an alpha particle is emitted from a nucleus. βdecay A radioactive process in which a beta particle is emitted from a nucleus.

In the naturally occurring thorium-232 decay series, the steps emit this sequence of particles:

First decay process reaction

T90232hemitsαemission):90232Th24α+88228Ra

Second decay process reaction R88228aemitsβ-emission):

R88228a-10β+89228Ac

Third decay process reaction A89228cemitsβ-emission):

A89228c-10β+90228Th

Forth decay process reaction T90228hemitsαemission):

T90228h24α+88224Ra

Fifth decay process reaction (88224Raemitsαemission):

R88224a24α+86220Rn

03

Explanation of the balanced equation.

Sixth decay process reactionR86220nemitsαemission):

R86220n24α+84216Poo

Seventh decay process reactionP84216oemitsαemission):

P84216o24α+82212Pb

Eighth decay process reaction82212Pbemitsβ-emission):

82212Pb-10β+83212Bi

Ninth decay process reactionB83212iemitsβ-emission):

B83212i-10β+84212Po

Tenth decay process reactionP84212oemitsαemission):

P84212o24α+82208Pb

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