An atom has atomic mass 232 and atomic number 90. During the course of disintegration, it emits 2 β β -particles and few α α -particles. The resultant atom has atomic mass 212 and atomic number 82. How many α α -particles are emitted during this process
Text Solution
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The decrease in atomic mass = (232 – 212) = 20
Decrease in mass occurs due to emission of α α -particles. Let x be the number of alpha particles emitted.
Mass of ' x ' α α -particles = 4 x
So 
or 
Alternative method: This can also be determined by the application of following equation:
No. of β β -particles emitted = 2 × No. of α α -particles emitted 
2 = 2 × x – (90 – 82) or x = 5
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