Question

use the equation to answer the question.
\ce{_{92}^{238}u -> _{90}^{234}n + _{2}^{4}he}
which type of radioactive decay does the equation model?
(1 point)
\bigcirc beta-minus decay
\bigcirc beta-plus decay
\bigcirc alpha decay
\bigcirc gamma decay

Explanation:

Alpha decay is a type of radioactive decay where an atomic nucleus emits an alpha particle (\(^{4}_{2}\text{He}\)). In the given equation \(^{238}_{92}\text{U}\to^{234}_{90}\text{N}+^{4}_{2}\text{He}\), an alpha particle (\(^{4}_{2}\text{He}\)) is emitted. Beta - minus decay involves the emission of an electron (\(^{0}_{- 1}e\)), beta - plus decay involves the emission of a positron (\(^{0}_{+1}e\)), and gamma decay involves the emission of gamma rays (\(\gamma\), no change in mass number or atomic number).

Answer:

alpha decay