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  • Understanding Uranium-237 Alpha Decay: Equation & Explanation
    The alpha decay of Uranium-237 can be represented by the following equation:

    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.

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