* Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle, which is a helium nucleus consisting of two protons and two neutrons (⁴₂He).
* Your equation: Thorium-234 decaying into Proactinium-234 and a -1 particle. This indicates a beta decay, where a neutron within the nucleus decays into a proton, an electron (beta particle), and an antineutrino.
Correct Alpha Decay Equation for Thorium-234:
Thorium-234 decays into Protactinium-230 and an alpha particle:
²³⁴₉₀Th → ²³⁰₉₁Pa + ⁴₂He
Key points:
* Alpha decay results in a decrease of 4 in the mass number (A) and 2 in the atomic number (Z).
* Beta decay results in an increase of 1 in the atomic number (Z) and no change in the mass number (A).
Let me know if you have any other nuclear reactions you'd like help with!
