There are several technological applications for the transuranium elements (Z > 92). An important one is in smoke detectors, which can use the decay of a tiny amount of americium-241 to neptunium-237. What subatomic particle is emitted from that decay process? Write a balanced nuclear equation for this process.

Question

Rex Kidd

Chemistry

14 July, 16:53

There are several technological applications for the transuranium elements (Z > 92). An important one is in smoke detectors, which can use the decay of a tiny amount of americium-241 to neptunium-237. What subatomic particle is emitted from that decay process? Write a balanced nuclear equation for this process.

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Answers (1)

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Juliana Ellis · Answer 1

An alpha particle is emitted.

95241Am → 42α + 23793Np

Explanation:

If we look at the difference between the atomic masses of the Americium isotope and neptunium isotope, we see a difference of 4 I e 241 - 237 = 4

Also, if we look at the difference between the atomic numbers of both nuclei, we get a difference of 2 I. e 95 - 93 = 2

Both differences show the exact properties of an alpha decay.