Question

The formation of $U^{236}$ from $P{u}^{240}$ occurs by which of the following decay ?

• A. alpha decay
• B. neutron decay
• C. beta decay
• D. proton decay
• E. gamma decay

Answer 1

The correct option is A alpha decay

The given nuclear reaction : ${}_{94}^{240}Pt\to$ ${}_{92}^{236}U$ $+$ ${}_Z^{A}X$

In a nuclear reaction, the mass number as well as the atomic number is conserved.

$\therefore$ $240=236+A$ $⟹A=4$

Also, $94=92+Z$ $⟹Z=2$

Thus, the decaying particle is an alpha particle, i.e, ${}_2^{4}He$.

Hence, is is an alpha decay process.