IIT-JEE 2009 · Paper 2 · Chemistry Q15

ChemistryInteger+4 / -1Question 15 of 57

The total number of $\alpha$ and $\beta$ particles emitted in the nuclear reaction $\ce{^{238}_{92}U -> ^{214}_{82}Pb}$ is

Your answer

Answer and worked solution

Official answer: 8

α particles. The mass number falls by $238-214=24$ : six α particles, which lower Z by 12 to 80.

β particles. Z must rise from 80 to 82: two β⁻ particles.

Total $6+2=8$ .

Answer: 8

IIT-JEE 2009 · Paper 2, Chemistry question 15