When a uranium nucleus absorbs a slow neutron, it subsequently emits two α-particles. What is the resulting element?

When a uranium nucleus (typically uranium-235) absorbs a slow neutron, it undergoes fission, a process in which the nucleus splits into smaller fragments. One of the typical reactions involves uranium-235 absorbing a neutron and then splitting into several lighter nuclei, along with the emission of neutrons and radiation.

However, in this specific scenario where uranium absorbs a slow neutron and emits two alpha (α) particles, we are likely referring to a process involving a form of nuclear decay or fission. The emission of two α-particles suggests that the uranium nucleus is undergoing a decay process.

  1. Uranium-235 (U-235) absorbs a neutron:

    92U352+n→fission products.

  2. After the fission, two alpha particles (each consisting of two protons and two neutrons) are emitted, which reduces the mass and the atomic number of the resulting nuclei.

To simplify:

  • Alpha decay decreases the atomic number by 2 and the mass number by 4 for each α-particle emitted.
  • The two α-particles would decrease the atomic number by 4 and the mass number by 8.

For example, if a uranium-235 nucleus absorbs a neutron and splits while emitting two alpha particles, the resulting element could be tungsten (W), specifically tungsten-180 (W-180).

Thus, the resulting element would be tungsten (W), and the isotope would be tungsten-180 (W-180).