question_answer

A nucleus \[_{n}^{m}X\] emits one alpha particle and one beta particle. Find the mass number and atomic number of the product nucleus.         

Answer:

                Using the law of conservation of mass and the law of conservation of charge, we rewrite the decays as \[_{n}^{m}X\xrightarrow[\alpha -decay]{_{2}^{4}He}_{n}^{m}_{-2}^{-4}\Upsilon \xrightarrow[\beta -decay]{_{-1}^{0}e}_{n}^{m}_{-1}^{-4}Z\] Mass number of the product nucleus \[=m-4\] Atomic number of the product nucleus \[=n-1\]