Question 112006ChemistryWAEC
An atom 92238X decays by alpha particle emission to give an atom Y. The atomic number and mass number of Y are
A
90 and 234 respectively
B
91 and 238 respectively
C
92 and 236 respectively
D
92 and 236 respectively
Step-by-Step Explanation
Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle, which consists of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. When the atom 92238X undergoes alpha decay, it loses 2 protons and 4 nucleons, resulting in a new atom with an atomic number of 90 and a mass number of 234. This transformation changes the identity of the element while reducing its mass and atomic number.