Chemistry Help: Identify Alpha Decay, Beta Decay, or Fusion

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In summary, alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay where an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, beta decay is a type of radioactive decay where an unstable atomic nucleus emits a beta particle, and fusion is a process in which two or more atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy. These processes can be identified by the emission of particles from a radioactive substance, resulting in changes in the atomic number and/or mass.
  • #1
LittleMiss
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Look At each nuclear equation below and identify whether it is alpha decay, beta decay, or fusion.

a) Thorium-234->Proactinium-234+-1^°e
I put Beta decay for my answer.

b) Hydrogen + Hydrogen -> Helium
I answered Fusion

c)Uranium-238->Thorium-234+Helium-4
I answered Alpha Decay

I would like to know if I'm correct in my answers.
 
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  • #2
Your answers seem fine to me!
 
  • #3


Yes, your answers are correct. Alpha decay is the emission of an alpha particle (helium nucleus), beta decay is the emission of a beta particle (electron), and fusion is the combination of two nuclei to form a heavier nucleus. In the given equations, the first one is beta decay, the second one is fusion, and the third one is alpha decay.
 

FAQ: Chemistry Help: Identify Alpha Decay, Beta Decay, or Fusion

What is alpha decay?

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle, consisting of two protons and two neutrons, thereby transforming into a different element.

How can alpha decay be identified?

Alpha decay can be identified by the emission of an alpha particle from a radioactive substance. This emission results in a decrease in the atomic number by 2 and a decrease in the atomic mass by 4.

What is beta decay?

Beta decay is a type of radioactive decay in which an unstable atomic nucleus emits a beta particle, either an electron or a positron, thereby transforming into a different element.

How can beta decay be identified?

Beta decay can be identified by the emission of a beta particle from a radioactive substance. This emission results in a change in the atomic number by 1 and no change in the atomic mass.

What is fusion?

Fusion, also known as nuclear fusion, is a process in which two or more atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. This process releases a large amount of energy and is the source of energy for stars and the sun.

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