Question

Write the alpha-decay of 241Am reaction scheme, what branching ratio of this? (with details)

Answer 1

Alpha decay occurs when the nucleus of an atom spontaneously ejects an alpha particle. The alpha particle is the same as a helium nucleus with 2 protons and 2 neutrons. This means the number of protons in the nucleus is reduced by 2 and the total number of nucleons is reduced by 4.

²⁴¹Am₉₅ → ^ZX_A + ⁴He₂

A = number of protons = 95 - 2 = 93

X = the element with atomic number = 93

According to the periodic table, X = neptunium or Np.

The mass number is reduced by 4.

Z = 241 - 4 = 237

Substitute these values into the reaction:

²⁴¹Am₉₅ → ²³⁷Np₉₃ + ⁴He₂