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JAMB Physics 1989 Question 49

Question 49

Radioactivity and Nuclear Physics

Eight alpha decays and six beta decays are necessary before an atom of 23892U achieves stability. The final product in the chain has an atomic number of

  1. A.70
  2. B.78
  3. C.82
  4. D.90
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (82)

Explanation

Each alpha decay lowers the atomic number by 2 and each beta decay raises it by 1: 92 − 16 + 6 = 82.