In the decay chain ²³⁰₉₀Th → ²¹⁴₈₄Po, find the ratio of the number of α emissions to β⁻ emissions.
Physics · Nuclear physics
JEE Advanced 2022

Question

In the decay chain ²³⁰₉₀Th → ²¹⁴₈₄Po, find the ratio of the number of α emissions to β⁻ emissions.

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Mass-number change 230→214 requires 4 α decays. Charge then becomes 90−8=82; to reach 84 requires 2 β⁻ decays. Ratio Nα/Nβ=4/2=2.