Determine the change in proton number after alpha emission.
This chemistry question involves key chemical concepts and calculations. The detailed solution below walks through each step, from identifying the reaction type to computing the final answer.
ScanSolve AI Answer
C
Step 1: Determine the change in proton number after alpha emission.
An alpha particle is $_2^4\text{He}$. When a nucleus emits an alpha particle, its proton number (atomic number, Z) decreases by 2.
Initial proton number = 74.
Proton number after alpha emission = $74 - 2 = 72$.
Step 2: Determine the change in proton number after beta emission.
A beta particle (specifically, a beta-minus particle) is $_{-1}^0\text{e}$. When a nucleus emits a beta-minus particle, a neutron converts into a proton, and its proton number (atomic number, Z) increases by 1.
Proton number after alpha emission = 72.
Proton number after beta emission = $72 + 1 = 73$.
The final proton number of the product is 73.
The final answer is $\boxed{\text{C 73}}$.
