When an element undergoes alpha decay, it emits an alpha particle, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons (essentially a helium nucleus).
For the given element \( \frac{234}{90}Th \) (Thorium-234), the atomic number decreases by 2 (since 2 protons are lost), and the mass number decreases by 4 (since 2 protons and 2 neutrons are lost).
Calculating the new atomic number and mass number:
- New mass number = 234 - 4 = 230
- New atomic number = 90 - 2 = 88
The element with atomic number 88 is Radium (Ra). Therefore, after undergoing alpha decay, Thorium-234 changes into Radium-230.
So, the correct answer is: c. Radium (Ra)
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