²³⁷U → ⁴He + ²³³Th
Here's what the equation means:
* ²³⁷U: This represents the parent nucleus, Uranium-237.
* ⁴He: This represents the alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons).
* ²³³Th: This represents the daughter nucleus, Thorium-233.
Explanation:
When Uranium-237 undergoes alpha decay, it emits an alpha particle, which is essentially a helium nucleus. This process reduces the atomic number by 2 (from 92 to 90) and the mass number by 4 (from 237 to 233), resulting in the formation of Thorium-233.