6 Radioactivity

During one decay of curium-244, the plutonium-240 daughter nucleus is formed in an excited state and then emits gamma radiation.

The two emissions are represented together by

{}^{244}_{96}\mathrm{Cm} \rightarrow {}^{240}_{94}\mathrm{Pu} + {}^{4}_{2}\alpha + {}^{0}_{0}\gamma

Show, using separate calculations, that the total mass number and the total charge are unchanged by these emissions.

[2]

During one decay of curium-244, the plutonium-240 daughter nucleus is formed in an excited state and then emits gamma radiation.

The two emissions are represented together by

{}^{244}_{96}\mathrm{Cm} \rightarrow {}^{240}_{94}\mathrm{Pu} + {}^{4}_{2}\alpha + {}^{0}_{0}\gamma

Show, using separate calculations, that the total mass number and the total charge are unchanged by these emissions.

[2]

6 Radioactivity Questions