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Q: When a heavy element like Uranium decays to a lighter element like Thorium what do we call it?
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What type of nuclear decay does Uranium undergo?

Uranium has a different decay chain/series for its different isotopes. Uranium 238 for example first decays to thorium 234 through alpha decay while U235 alpha decays to thorium 231. Both have different half lifes which can be found on a natural decay series chart for the said element. The thorium in either case then beta decays to another element.


How many neutrons lost when uranium-238 decays to thorium-234?

Two neutrons (from 146 to 144)


What element is formed when uranium-238atomic number92ejects an alpha particle?

238U radiates alpha particles and decays via 234Th and 234Pa into 234U, which has a halflife of 245,500 years. (Thorium-234, Protactinium-234, Uranium-234 respectively)


Why Uranium-238 decays into thorium-234?

All radioactive isotopes decay because they are unstable; uranium-238 decay to thorium-234 by beta (-) decay. The half life of 238U is very great: 4,468.109 years.


When uranium -238 decays to form thorium-234 the uranium nucleus emitts?

Uranium 238 is aan alpha particles emitter: halflife 4,468.109 years, energy 4,270 MeV.


How does radioactive decay provide energy source for plate tectonics trough the decays of uranium thorium and potassium?

During radioactive decays heat is released and the center of the Earth is melted.


If uranium decays is it a chemical change?

No. It is a nuclear change, as the identity of the element changes.


What isotopes remains after the alpha decay of uranium-238?

232U alpha decays to 228Th. Thorium-228 is the daughter product of the alpha decay of uranium-232.


What is the first radioactive element that forms when uranium 238 decays?

The isotope 234 Th.


What evidence would a scientist use to determine the absolute age of a fossil found in a sedimentary rock?

Uranium is the element that decays at a rate that relates to the sample. Uranium is the element that decays at a rate that relates to the sample.


What alpha decays to 234Th and α?

Th-230 -> He-4 + Ra-226 Thorium which alpha decays produces an alpha particle (Helium 4) and a Radium-226 atom.


What formula describes how naturally occurring chemical elements such as uranium thorium and potassium helped to heat the Earth's interior?

During radioactive decays heat is released.