The decay equation for uranium-238 (U-238) decaying into an alpha particle (helium-4) can be represented as follows: (^{238}{92}\text{U} \rightarrow ^{4}{2}\text{He} + ^{234}_{90}\text{Th}). This equation shows the radioactive decay process of U-238 into an alpha particle and thorium-234.
What is missing is the type of decay that occurs during the transformation. For example, uranium-238 decays into thorium-234 through alpha decay, so the missing component would be the emission of an alpha particle in the balanced equation.
Uranium-238 and Uranium-235 do not release neutrons spontaneously in nature in the same way they do during a fission process. Neutrons are typically required to initiate the fission process in nuclear reactions. In natural settings, radioactive decay processes such as alpha and beta decay occur in uranium isotopes, but not neutron release.
The main use of Uranium-238 is as a fuel in nuclear reactors to generate electricity through nuclear fission. It is not used for nuclear weapons as its fissionability is limited, but it plays a crucial role in sustaining nuclear power generation.
Uranium-235 is more explosive than uranium-238. This is because uranium-235 is fissile, meaning it can sustain a chain reaction of nuclear fission, which releases a large amount of energy. Uranium-238 is not fissile and requires a neutron source to undergo fission.
alpha
The decay equation for uranium-238 (U-238) decaying into an alpha particle (helium-4) can be represented as follows: (^{238}{92}\text{U} \rightarrow ^{4}{2}\text{He} + ^{234}_{90}\text{Th}). This equation shows the radioactive decay process of U-238 into an alpha particle and thorium-234.
These are all phenomenons in nuclear physics.
Uranium 238 goes through a decay series until it becomes lead. An intermediate product of this decay series is Thorium 234. Uranium 238 decays into an atom of Thorium 234 and an atom of Helium 4. The Helium 4, being a gas, frequently escapes into the atmosphere. Since the decay of Uranium 238 into Thorium 234 and Helium 4 gives off heat and mass, nature does not normally reverse the process.
What is missing is the type of decay that occurs during the transformation. For example, uranium-238 decays into thorium-234 through alpha decay, so the missing component would be the emission of an alpha particle in the balanced equation.
Uranium 238 is transformed in thorium 234 by alpha decay.
daughter element
Become thorium-234 after ejecting an alpha particle and gamma ray. The thorium-234 continues to decay through 13 more decay events, ultimately becoming lead-126.
uranium 238 is a fast neutron absorber the answer is correct but for more explanation:- when uranium 238 is bombard by neutron >>> uranium 238 , undergoes B decay>>>Np 239 ,undergoes B decay >>> Pu 239 finally undergoes alpha decay >>> fissile U
Yes, plutonium is typically formed as a result of the alpha decay of uranium in nuclear reactors or in nuclear weapons. It can also be produced artificially in nuclear reactors by bombarding uranium-238 with neutrons.
The nuclear reaction is: 23892U + n-------23992U-------23993Np + e--------23994Pu + e
In the uranium series, 4n + 2 represents the decay process of uranium-238 (238U) where it undergoes alpha decay to form thorium-234 (234Th) by emitting an alpha particle. The equation indicates that for every 1 decay of uranium-238, 1 thorium-234 and 2 alpha particles are produced.