Question

In the following radioactive decay, ${ }_{92} X^{232} \rightarrow{ }_{89} Y^{220}$, how many $\alpha$- and $\beta$-particles are ejected from $X$ to $Y$ ?

• A. $ 5\alpha $ and $ 5\beta $
• B. $ 5\alpha $ and $ 4\beta $
• C. $ 5\alpha $ and $ 3\beta $
• D. $ 3\alpha $ and $ 3\beta $

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

${ }_{92}^{232} X \rightarrow{ }_{89}^{220} Y \rightarrow m_{2}^{4} \alpha+n_{-1}^{0} \beta$
$\Rightarrow 232=220+4 m$
$ \Rightarrow m=3 ; 92=89+2 m-n$
$\Rightarrow n=89+6-92=3$
Hence $3 \alpha$ and $3 \beta$ particles are ejected.