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Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Decay

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A certain hypothetical atom contains 68 protons and 87 neutrons in its nucleus and has an atomic mass of 154.2 atomic mass units, or amu (an amu is approximately 1.66 * 10^-27 kg). How many protons and how many neutrons will it end up with if it undergoes an alpha decay? How many if it undergoes a beta decay? How many if it undergoes a gamma decay?

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Solution Summary

This solution shows how to find the number of protons and neutrons an atom will contain if it undergoes an alpha decay, a beta decay, and a gamma decay, respectively.

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In alpha decay the nucleus emits an alpha particle (nucleus of helium atom with two protons and two neutrons) resulting in a new nucleus with two protons less and two neutrons less (i.e. atomic number less ...

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