Uranium-238 Alpha Decay Changes

Medium Physics Atomic And Nuclear Physics

An unstable isotope of uranium, U-238, undergoes a series of decay processes. As it decays, it emits alpha particles and transforms into different elements until it eventually reaches a stable end product. One of the key characteristics of this decay process is the change in atomic number and mass number of the isotopes involved.

Consider a scenario where U-238 decays into a thorium isotope via the emission of an alpha particle. Which of the following correctly describes the changes in atomic number and mass number as a result of this decay?

The atomic number decreases by 2 and the mass number decreases by 4.

The atomic number decreases by 4 and the mass number decreases by 2.

The atomic number increases by 2 and the mass number increases by 4.

The atomic number remains the same and the mass number decreases by 4.

Hint

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