You are going to walk through a nuclear decay series for an atom of Uranium-238
ID: 1008229 • Letter: Y
Question
You are going to walk through a nuclear decay series for an atom of Uranium-238 that decays sequentially all the way down to Lead-206. The goal is to predict which radioisotopes should make an appearance and which types of radiation are emitted along the way, all the time staying as near the Belt of Stability as possible.
Use the table on the following page to map out your decay series. Begin by highlighting the boxes that correspond to the isotopes listed on the Periodic Table—these represent the Belt of Stability and show the path you should endeavor to stay as close to as possible. (This decay series is known to have multiple branched paths, so do not despair if your decay series doesn’t look exactly like a classmate’s.)
You are limited to three types of radiation for this exercise: alpha, beta, and positron emission. Consider how each type of decay affects the mass number and atomic number, and use that information to plan out your decay series.
Bring to class on the day of the final:
Your graph showing the plan for your decay series. Be sure to mark:
The isotopes that represent the Belt of Stability.
Each radioisotope that is produced along the series.
The type of radiation emitted during each nuclear transition.
The total number each of , -, and + particles emitted.
238
236
234
232
230
228
226
224
222
220
218
216
214
212
210
208
206
Pb
Bi
Po
At
Rn
Fr
Ra
Ac
Th
Pa
U
238
236
234
232
230
228
226
224
222
220
218
216
214
212
210
208
206
Pb
Bi
Po
At
Rn
Fr
Ra
Ac
Th
Pa
U
Explanation / Answer
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