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.
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Uranium-235 (U-235) absorbs a neutron:
92U352+n→fission products.
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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).