If the following element undergoes alpha decay, which element does it change into?

234/90 Th
a
Uranium (U)
b
Francium (Fr)
c
Radium (Ra)
d
Radon (Rn)

1 answer

When an element undergoes alpha decay, it loses an alpha particle, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. Therefore, the atomic number decreases by 2, and the mass number decreases by 4.

For the element \( ^{234}_{90}Th \) (Thorium), the calculations are as follows:

  • Initial atomic number: 90 (Thorium)
  • Final atomic number after alpha decay: 90 - 2 = 88
  • Initial mass number: 234
  • Final mass number after alpha decay: 234 - 4 = 230

Looking at the periodic table, the element with atomic number 88 is Radium (Ra).

Thus, after alpha decay, \( ^{234}{90}Th \) changes into \( ^{230}{88}Ra \) (Radium).

The correct answer is c) Radium (Ra).