Nucleus: Practice Problem & Solution
An element A decays into element C by a two step process $A \rightarrow B + _{2}He^{4}; B \rightarrow C + 2e^{-}$. Then (1989)
Solution Explained:
To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Nucleus. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:
In alpha decay ($A \rightarrow B$), the atomic number Z decreases by 2. In two beta decays ($B \rightarrow C$), the atomic number increases by $2 \times 1 = 2$. Thus, the final atomic number of C equals the initial atomic number of A. Elements with the same Z are isotopes.
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