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Chapter 24: Problem 27

Why is helium found in deposits of uranium and thorium ores? What kind of radioactive emission produces it?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Helium is found in uranium and thorium ores due to alpha decay, which emits alpha particles that form helium atoms.

Step by step solution

01

- Understand the relationship between uranium, thorium, and helium

Helium is found in deposits of uranium and thorium ores because these elements undergo radioactive decay. Over time, uranium and thorium atoms break down, leading to the formation of helium atoms.
02

- Identify the type of radioactive emission

During the radioactive decay of uranium and thorium, they emit alpha particles. An alpha particle consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, which is essentially the nucleus of a helium atom.
03

- Explain the formation of helium

When uranium or thorium emits an alpha particle, this particle can capture two electrons from the surrounding environment to form a neutral helium atom. Therefore, the presence of helium in such deposits is a direct result of alpha decay.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Radioactive Decay
Radioactive decay is a natural process by which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation. This occurs in elements like uranium and thorium, which are not stable.
There are different types of radioactive decay, but the one we are focusing on here is alpha decay.
Alpha decay is when an unstable nucleus emits an alpha particle, losing some of its energy and mass and transforming into a different element.
For example, uranium-238 decays into thorium-234 by emitting an alpha particle, and thorium-234 decays into radium-226 in a similar manner.
Alpha decay changes the original element into a new one while emitting radiation in the form of alpha particles.
Alpha Particles
Alpha particles are a type of radiation emitted during radioactive decay. They are made up of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, which is the same as a helium-4 nucleus.
Because of their composition, alpha particles are relatively heavy and carry a positive charge.
They do not travel very far and can be stopped by a sheet of paper or even the outer layer of human skin.
However, if alpha particles are ingested or inhaled, they can cause significant damage to living tissues.
The emission of alpha particles from uranium and thorium is what eventually leads to the formation of helium.
Helium Formation
Helium formation in uranium and thorium deposits is a direct result of alpha decay.
When an alpha particle is emitted during the decay process, it can capture two electrons from its surroundings.
This turns the alpha particle, which is initially just a helium nucleus, into a fully formed neutral helium atom.
Over millions of years, this process leads to a significant accumulation of helium in uranium and thorium ores.
This is why helium is often found in deposits of uranium and thorium.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Nuclear disarmament could be accomplished if weapons were not "replenished." The tritium in warheads decays to helium with a half-life of 12.26 yr and must be replaced or the weapon is useless. What fraction of the tritium is lost in 5.50 yr?

The half-life of radium- 226 is \(1.60 \times 10^{3}\) yr. How many hours will it take for a 2.50 -g sample to decay to the point where \(0.185 \mathrm{~g}\) of the isotope remains?

A sample of cobalt- \(60\left(t_{1 / 2}=5.27 \mathrm{yr}\right),\) a powerful \(\gamma\) emitter used to treat cancer, was purchased by a hospital on March 1 ,2012. The sample must be replaced when its activity reaches \(70 . \%\) of the original value. On what date must it be replaced?

Write balanced nuclear equations for the following: (a) \(\beta^{-}\) decay of sodium- 26 (b) \(\beta^{-}\) decay of francium- 223 (c) Alpha decay of \({ }^{212} \mathrm{Bi}\) i

In what main way is fission different from radioactive decay? Are all fission events in a chain reaction identical? Explain.
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