16
QuizMultiple Choice

Balancing Nuclear Reactions — Quiz

Question 16 • Physical Science

Consider the nuclear equation. 92235U→X+24He What is the nuclide symbol of X ?

Answer
A
94 to the 239th power Pu
B
94 to the 231th power Pu
C
90 to the 231th power Th
D
90 to the 235th power Th

Explanation

In alpha decay, the emitted helium nucleus has mass number 4 and atomic number 2. Subtract these from uranium-235’s numbers: 235 − 4 = 231 and 92 − 2 = 90, so X is thorium-231, choice C.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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